Bolivia detains ex‑minister Wilma Alanoca on terrorism and incitement charges

A Bolivian judge rejected Wilma Alanoca’s request for release, and the Public Ministry filed a formal indictment accusing the former minister of Cultures of public incitement to delinquency and terrorism. The charges stem from allegations that Alanoca organized and promoted the massive blockades that shut down the country for more than 50 days, prompting a vice‑minister to state she played a “very important” role in the criminal organization behind the protests.

Police seized Alanoca near Plaza Murillo after a press conference, escorted her to the FELCC detention center and kept her in preventive custody while a hearing on precautionary measures is pending. Her lawyer claims the arrest was illegal because no prior arrest order existed. Authorities say the case remains with the Ministry of Public Works, which will evaluate the evidence and determine any further legal steps.