Last week the administration of President Luis Arce accused him of eight crimes.

On Monday, Bolivia’s Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation against former President Evo Morales (2006-2019) after the administration of President Luis Arce accused him of eight crimes.

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The probe comes in response to road blockades by Morales’ supporters, who have been protesting for over a week to demand his registration as a presidential candidate.

“It has been decided to admit this complaint filed in La Paz for certain criminal offenses identified by the Justice Ministry. This warrants an investigation under judicial oversight,” said Attorney General Roger Mariaca.

On June 5, Justice Minister Cesar Siles filed a complaint against Morales for terrorism, public incitement to commit crimes, attacks on public service security, disruption of transportation security, violation of labor rights, disobedience of constitutional rulings, destruction of state property and obstruction of electoral processes.

The Prosecutor’s Office will provide legal support to Bolivian police and will not tolerate actions that endanger lives, labor rights, physical safety or freedom of movement, Mariaca said, noting that the complaint also targets leader Suseth Rodriguez and “others who may be found responsible.”

The text reads, “Bolivia: Roadblocks continue and increase, despite repression by racist police, military, and paramilitaries; the persecution of those of us who spread the word about protests over food shortages, and the silence of all media outlets. Updated map of the road system.”

So far, more than 20 people have appeared before a judge to determine their alleged involvement in the blockades, which have led to assaults on police, bystanders and the recent burning of an ambulance, as well as attacks on medical personnel.

Meanwhile, Minister Siles said in La Paz that the complaint could expand “against individuals and any further incidents in the coming days,” urging Morales’ followers to reconsider their actions.

Monday marked the eighth consecutive day of road blockades by Morales’ supporters across Bolivia, demanding his eligibility as a presidential candidate for the August 17 general election.

President Luis Arce said the protests aim to force his resignation and pave the way for Morales’ candidacy, warning that the blockades threaten nationwide food distribution.

Morales insists on running despite lacking a political party and a recent Constitutional Court ruling reaffirming that reelection is permitted “only once consecutively,” barring a third term. Morales has already served three presidential terms.

He left the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party due to disagreements with the Arce administration and attempted to run with the Bolivian National Action Party (Pan-Bol). However, this party cannot participate after losing its legal status.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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