Bolivian prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for former president Evo Morales, accusing him of fomenting recent protests that paralyzed the country. The anti-government demonstrations in May and June caused severe shortages of fuel, food, and medicine in some cities. The protests began with workers and Indigenous communities voicing grievances over Bolivia's economic crisis but escalated to demand the resignation of current President Rodrigo Paz. Morales, who is in hiding, faces separate charges of trafficking a minor.
Background of the Protests
The enormous anti-government demonstrations choked the Andean nation in May and June, leading to severe shortages of essential supplies. The movement started with workers and Indigenous communities expressing their grievances over Bolivia's worst economic crisis in decades. However, the protests quickly escalated, demanding the resignation of US-backed President Rodrigo Paz.
Legal Actions and Allegations
Wednesday's warrant is related to an investigation into dozens of roadblocks erected during the protests. Attorney General Roger Mariaca stated that the probe stemmed from an 'armed uprising' and 'terrorism' complaint filed by a right-wing conglomerate against Morales, trade unionist Mario Argollo, and Indigenous figure Vicente Salazar. A section of the government later joined the complaint. President Paz has also accused Morales of drug trafficking without providing evidence.
Morales' Current Situation
Morales, Bolivia's first Indigenous leader, is currently in hiding in his political stronghold, Chapare, to escape separate charges of trafficking a minor. He is accused of having a relationship with a 15-year-old girl, with whom he allegedly fathered a child while in power. Morales denies these allegations. President Paz has previously mentioned planning an operation in Chapare but did not specify when.
