Bolivia's ex‑president Evo Morales ordered arrested over 2024 protest blockades

The prosecutor's office in Bolivia's Santa Cruz department issued an arrest warrant for former president Evo Morales, accusing him of orchestrating the road blockades that lasted 53 days in May‑June 2024. The blockades were part of a popular uprising against President Rodrigo Paz's neoliberal measures and caused significant economic disruption and casualties.

Morales faces charges of terrorism, armed uprising against state security, attacks on transport and public services, criminal association, and public incitement to crime. He denied any armed involvement, claiming political persecution and saying he had given away weapons allegedly gifted to him. The warrant also names former COB leader Juan Carlos Huarachi among the accused. Morales, who has been residing in the Cochabamba region under the protection of supporters, says he will continue to fight for Bolivia's sovereignty and social justice.

The case adds to Bolivia's ongoing political tension, with Morales urging the public to expose evidence against him while the authorities have forwarded the warrant to police for execution.