Evo Morales confronts Bolivia's fuel import decree and terrorism accusations

Former Bolivian president Evo Morales condemned President Rodrigo Paz's emergency decree 5644, which authorises private companies to import diesel and gasoline at market prices. Morales warned the measure would shift the strategic responsibility for energy from the state to profit‑driven actors and raise fuel costs for families.

At the same time, right‑wing civic groups in Santa Cruz filed a criminal complaint accusing Morales, labour leader Mario Argollo and indigenous activist Vicente Salazar of terrorism and armed uprising linked to road blockades that disrupted La Paz, El Alto and other cities during a seven‑week protest wave against Paz’s government in May‑June 2026. The prosecutor admitted the complaint and civic leaders are demanding arrest warrants. Morales denied any involvement in the blockades, said he does not know the armed “Ponchos Rojos” seen on social media, and rejected the terrorism charges as politically motivated. He remains in the Chapare region, where he is also wanted on a separate allegation of child‑trafficking. President Paz ended the protests by declaring a state of exception, restoring order but leaving the legal case against Morales pending.