Accusations of Terrorism and Rebellion: Bolivian Judiciary Pursues Morales

Bolivia’s public prosecutor’s office has issued an arrest warrant for former president Evo Morales, accusing him of inciting anti-government protests.

Attorney General Roger Mariaca stated that the warrant is linked to an investigation into dozens of roadblocks erected during the large-scale demonstrations that swept the country in May and June, resulting in severe shortages of fuel, food supplies and medical equipment.

The protest movement initially emerged from demands put forward by workers and indigenous communities protesting what they described as Bolivia’s worst economic crisis in decades.

The demonstrations later expanded to include calls for the resignation of US-backed President Roberto Paz, who accused Morales of fueling the unrest.

The attorney general explained that the investigation was launched following a complaint alleging « armed rebellion » and « terrorism », filed by a right-wing group composed of civic leaders and business figures before subsequently receiving government support.

Commenting on the arrest warrant on the social media platform X, Morales said: « They will not intimidate us. They are trying to place the social responsibility on us in order to conceal the real tragedy facing Bolivia: a profound social and economic crisis. »

Morales, the first indigenous president in Bolivia’s history, is currently hiding in his political stronghold in the Chapare region to avoid allegations involving relations with a minor, accusations that he strongly denies.

Paz had previously announced his intention to launch a security operation in the former president’s stronghold, although he did not specify when it would take place.

The conservative leader managed to contain the unrest by declaring a state of emergency in June, enabling him to deploy the army and ban demonstrations.