Bolivia sustains probe of ex-President Evo Morales over road blockade crimes

Bolivian Minister of Government Marco Antonio Oviedo said former President Evo Morales shows a “lack of civil courage” for not appearing before the courts, despite an arrest warrant for an alleged human‑trafficking case and his alleged role in the 53‑day road blockades that crippled the country. Oviedo affirmed that “all those who must answer to Justice must do so without exception” and urged Morales to abandon his refuge in Lauca Ñ and face the investigations that also include accusations of child abuse.

The government announced it will continue the probe into Morales’ involvement in the road blockades, linking the disruptions to the broader criminal case. Governor Leonardo Loza of Cochabamba, meanwhile, rejected accusations that he or regional officials financed the blockades, describing the legal actions as “political persecution” and stating, “I can be sued thousands of times; I have no fear.” Loza referenced multiple past investigations he faced under previous administrations and noted the recent preventive detention of union leader Vicente Salazar for alleged blockade‑related crimes.

Both the national ministry and the Cochabamba governor emphasize that the investigations remain open, highlighting ongoing political tensions over the former president’s accountability and the nationwide impact of the blockades.