A court in Bolivia’s Santa Cruz district has issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales on charges including armed uprising against the state, terrorism, and attacks on transportation infrastructure. The investigation stems from Morales’s backing of protests organized by farmers and truckers in June, which challenged the economic policies of current President Rodrigo Paz, including austerity measures and rising living costs.
Morales responded to the charges by rejecting accusations of intimidation and arguing that the government was attempting to distract from Bolivia’s broader economic and social crisis. He characterized the administration as abandoning citizens while protecting corruption. The warrant directs police to detain Morales and transport him to a special anticorruption unit.
Moreales served as Bolivia’s first Indigenous president across three terms beginning in 2006, establishing himself as one of Latin America’s longest-serving leaders. His tenure ended with a controversial 2019 ouster following disputed elections; he subsequently went into exile before returning after his political ally Luis Arce won the presidency. In late 2024, allegations emerged against him regarding alleged abuse of a minor, charges he has denied and refused to address in court.
The current warrant follows months of civil unrest. His supporters mobilized in early 2025 to block roads and shut down the country in protest of the earlier allegations. This pressure contributed to President Paz declaring a state of emergency in June as the demonstrations disrupted food, fuel, and medicine supplies. A civic group filed a complaint alleging that Morales’s supporters caused shortages through 53 days of transport blockades, which the Interior Ministry subsequently pursued as a criminal matter.
Moreales stated his intention to continue advocating alongside supporters, calling for Bolivia to pursue a path emphasizing dignity, sovereignty, social justice, and restored hope.
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