Bolivian Prosecutors Issue Arrest Warrant for Ex-President Morales Over Protests

Bolivian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former left-wing President Evo Morales, accusing him of inciting recent anti-government protests that paralyzed the nation. The warrant is linked to an investigation into road blockades that occurred during demonstrations in May and June.

These significant protests, stemming from worker and indigenous community discontent over the country's economic crisis, escalated to demands for the resignation of the current U.S.-backed President Roberto Paz. Paz has accused Morales of orchestrating the unrest.

The investigation into the blockades was initiated based on a complaint alleging "armed rebellion" and "terrorism," filed by a right-wing coalition of civil society and business representatives, and later supported by some government factions. Morales, Bolivia's first indigenous president, is currently in his political stronghold in the Chapare province, reportedly seeking to evade accusations of child trafficking, which he denies.

Paz managed to suppress the June unrest by declaring a state of emergency, allowing him to deploy the military and ban demonstrations. This action followed an agreement with the main confederation of trade unions, which ended over six weeks of blockades and protests.