He is accused for the blockades that left 16 dead and losses exceeding USD 3 billion
The blockades caused shortages of food, fuel, and medical oxygen, as well as severe difficulties for the circulation of ambulances and emergency vehicles. The conflict left at least 16 dead, 13 of them due to lack of timely medical attention, and caused economic losses exceeding USD 3 billion.
The Santa Cruz Departmental Prosecutor's Office ordered the immediate capture of former socialist president and pedophile Evo Morales on Wednesday, accused of terrorism, armed uprising against the security and sovereignty of the State, and other crimes related to the violent blockades of roads recorded between May and June in Bolivia.
The arrest warrant was signed by prosecutor Brayan Melgar Ledezma, a member of the Specialized Unit for the Prosecution of Corruption Crimes, Tax Crimes, Customs Crimes, and Money Laundering. The document instructs the Police to detain Morales and transfer him to the specialized unit investigating the case.
In addition to terrorism and armed uprising, the Prosecutor's Office allegedly attributes to him the crimes of attack against the security of transportation, criminal association, public instigation to commit crimes, and attack against the security of public services.
The investigation began after a complaint was filed by the Civic Committee Pro Santa Cruz, led by Stello Cochamanidis Garcés, which was later joined by the Ministry of Government, headed by Marco Antonio Oviedo Huerta. The case also involves other leaders linked to the protests.
For seven weeks, "peasant" organizations from La Paz and the Bolivian Workers' Central promoted roadblocks in various regions of the country, supported by sectors aligned with Morales. The Bolivian coup plotters demanded the resignation of democratically elected president Rodrigo Paz.
Morales rejected the accusations and stated that he will continue with his coup activities. The former president denied promoting the early departure of Paz, although during the conflict he publicly stated that the president should militarize the country or call for elections within the next 90 days.
The pedophile has been hiding since October 2024 in the Tropic of Cochabamba, his main political and union stronghold, protected by hundreds of followers who seek to prevent his arrest. The Bolivian Police claim they are waiting for the right moment to execute the judicial orders.
This is the second active arrest warrant against Morales. The previous one corresponds to a case of aggravated human trafficking, in which his alleged relationship with a minor during his presidency is being investigated. A court in Tarija declared him in rebellion after he failed to appear at the start of the trial.
The new measure could also lead to an international search if the Bolivian State makes the corresponding request and proceeds with the necessary procedures before the competent authorities.
