Bolivia’s former President Luis Arce on Monday, April 6, unequivocally declared himself as a “political prisoner”, citing his four-month detention in La Paz.

Former President Luis Arce vehemently accused the current Bolivian Government and the judicial system of a deliberate campaign to effect his “civil and political death”, outlining a series of grave rights violations since his incarceration began in December 2025.

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In a comprehensive letter, Arce asserted that the Executive Power, under the leadership of right-wing President Rodrigo Paz, has systematically infringed upon his personal and constitutional rights.

“Serious rights violations are being committed against me, in a context that compromises not only my personal integrity but also the full validity of the rule of law and constitutional guarantees”, the former Head of State emphasized. This stern accusation signals a deep concern for the integrity of Bolivia’s democratic institutions and the fairness of its legal processes under the new administration.

Text reads: “Political Prisioner: Former President Luis Arce declared himself as a political prisoner of President Rodrigo Paz, denounced as illegal his detention and denounced that he suffers psychological torture and is denied medical attention (handwritten letter from the penal of San Pedro, La Paz).”

Bolivia’s Justice Manipulation

Arce’s detailed allegations include claims of “psychological torture”, as well as widespread “violations of due process, the presumption of innocence, and the right to defense.” He further highlighted a discernible absence of impartiality and legal certainty within the Bolivian judicial system, suggesting a politicization of justice. These pointed accusations describe a legal framework allegedly being manipulated to target political opponents, thereby undermining the fundamental protections that are indispensable to any functioning democracy and are universally recognized as basic Human Rights.

“I was deprived of my freedom on December 10, 2025, without an existing legal arrest warrant, in an arbitrary act that can only be described as a kidnapping outside the law”, he denounced. This powerful assertion directly challenges the legality of his arrest, framing it as an extra-legal maneuver rather than a legitimate application of judicial authority, lending substantial weight to his declaration as a “political prisoner.”

Adding to his condemnation, Arce detailed how the legal proceedings initiated against him by the Rodrigo Paz Government have been marked by a consistent rejection of his defense’s requests.

Critically, he revealed the recent denial of a petition for him to undergo medical examinations by a cardiologist. This refusal, Arce argued, not only jeopardizes his health and physical integrity but also constitutes a blatant violation of his rights.

Furthermore, Arce unveiled the conditions of his initial confinement, stating that in the early days of his detention, he was held in a cell that “lacked minimum habitability conditions”, indicating a disregard for basic humane treatment. He also described being perpetually subjected to “photos and filming” in the prison yard while engaged in sports or receiving visitors.

“I have not stolen, I have not lied, I have not killed. What they are doing is revenge. I demand respect for due process, without political pressure or government instructions”, argued Arce, firmly proclaiming his innocence.

Former President Luis Arce formally concluded his term on November 8, 2025, a date that marked a significant shift in the nation’s political trajectory. Right-wing leader Rodrigo Paz was sworn in as the new Head of State, signaling the end of nearly two decades of progressive governments led by the Movement to Socialism (MAS, in Spanish), Arce’s political party. This transition from a socialist to a conservative administration has been accompanied by heightened political tensions and a notable reversal of many progressive policies.

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