Bolivian prosecutors issue warrant for ex-president Morales

Bolivian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales, accusing him of leading recent anti-government protests that paralyzed parts of the country for 53 days. The warrant, issued by the Santa Cruz departmental prosecutor's office on July 29, charges Morales with terrorism, armed insurrection against the state, endangering transportation safety, criminal conspiracy, public incitement to commit crimes, and endangering public services.

The investigation stems from a complaint initially filed by the Pro Santa Cruz Civic Committee, which was later joined by the Interior Ministry. Prosecutors allege Morales is responsible for organizing massive road blockades during May and June that triggered severe shortages of fuel, food, and medical supplies. The protests began over Bolivia's worsening economic crisis and expanded to include calls for the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office in November 2025. The prosecution is seeking a prison sentence of 20 to 30 years for the terrorism and armed insurrection charges alone.

Morales, Bolivia's first Indigenous president who served from 2006 to 2019, has rejected the accusations as political...