New Arrest Warrant Issued for Former Bolivian President Evo Morales

Santa Cruz prosecutors in Bolivia have issued a new arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales, accusing him of six crimes linked to his alleged role in protests and road blockades that occurred between May and June. These actions were part of a movement demanding the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz.

The prosecution is investigating Morales for alleged terrorism, armed uprising, and endangering public services. The warrant directs police to "apprehend and escort" Morales to a specialized unit for combating corruption. The investigation was initiated following a complaint by the Comité pro Santa Cruz, represented by its president Stello Cochamanidis Garcés, and later joined by a complaint from the Ministry of Government, headed by Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo Huerta.

According to Bolivian newspaper El Deber, the Comité pro Santa Cruz had previously filed a criminal complaint against Morales, along with Mario Argollo of the Bolivian Workers' Central, and Vicente Salazar of the Túpac Katari Confederation of Farmworkers. They were identified as the main instigators of the 53-day blockades.

This new warrant adds to a previous arrest order against the former president. Morales is currently situated in El Chapare, a region considered his stronghold and from which he has evaded police. Two days prior, Morales posted a video of himself driving past a drug enforcement checkpoint, where officers appeared to let him proceed despite an existing warrant for aggravated human trafficking related to an alleged minor.

The video sparked a disciplinary process against the two officers for failing to execute the arrest order. It also reignited controversy over the non-enforcement of judicial mandates and questioned authorities' ability to enforce the capture order. Morales continues to engage in political activities from El Chapare, asserting that the human trafficking case is politically motivated persecution. He has also intensified his criticism of the Paz government regarding the economic situation, citing fuel shortages, lack of foreign currency, and rising inflation.