The former president denounced that the ongoing process violates his constitutional rights.

On Thursday, the La Paz Court of Justice decided to uphold the preventive detention of former Bolivian President Luis Arce (2020-2025), who is under investigation for alleged corruption in the management of funds for Indigenous development.

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The Prosecutor’s Office clarified that the case follows the ordinary legal process for acts committed while Arce served as Economy Minister in the government of Evo Morales (2006-2019). However, the defense requested a trial of responsibilities.

Maria Nela Prada, former Minister of the Presidency, denounced that “all decisions are already predetermined,” and that Court rulings presume guilt rather than innocence, thus violating constitutional principles.

The Prosecutor’s Office alleged risks of flight, obstruction of justice, and questioned his residence and employment status. Prada confirmed that Arce lived in the same building for years and continues to teach at the Higher University of San Andres (UMSA).

The former President denounced a violation of due process and characterized his imprisonment as politically motivated. He stated that it was an attempt to divert attention from national issues.

Arce also denounced that the elimination of hydrocarbon subsidies by President Rodrigo Paz constitutes a crime against the working people. He noted that the measure directly impacts the poorest and most vulnerable families.

The former Bolivian president stated that he has always stood with the people and that his policies prioritized national interests over privileged economic groups. Arce asserted that the process violates the Constitution, which guarantees the presumption of innocence.

Arce affirmed that prison will not silence him and that he faces threats and fabricated charges. He asserted that he did not flee and that he is facing the charges because he has nothing to fear.

The judge ordered his preventive detention for five months, pending an investigation into uneconomical conduct and breach of duties. The Prosecutor’s Office maintains that he authorized disbursements for Indigenous projects that were either not executed or remained incomplete.

teleSUR: JP

Source: EFE

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