Bolivia issues arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales

Bolivia’s former president, Evo Morales, has been placed under formal investigation by the nation’s Attorney General for alleged “armed uprising” against the state, alongside accusations of illicit financing, incitement to violence and other crimes. The probe, announced in early July, stems from Morales’s role in organizing and supporting protests that erupted in late 2022 after a contested referendum on regional autonomy, which authorities say escalated into coordinated actions aimed at destabilizing the government of current President Luis Arce.

Legal experts note that the investigation could lead to criminal charges that carry significant prison terms, although Morales, who returned from exile in 2021 and currently serves as a senator, has denied any wrongdoing and claims the case is politically motivated. The move adds to a series of judicial actions against former officials in Bolivia, reflecting ongoing tensions between the left‑wing Movement for Socialism party and institutions aligned with the ruling administration. The outcome of the case is expected to influence the country’s political climate ahead of the 2025 general elections.