Bolivia Issues Second Arrest Warrant Against Ex-President Morales

Bolivian authorities have issued a new arrest warrant against former President Evo Morales, the second such measure in a matter of weeks. The Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office is investigating Morales on charges of armed uprising against state security and sovereignty, terrorism, and attacks on transportation safety — all connected to the prolonged protests that rocked Bolivia in May and June 2026.

Six Weeks of Road Blockades Caused National Crisis

Supporters of the socialist former president — including trade unions, farmers, miners and indigenous organizations — blocked major highways for more than 50 days. Morales allegedly incited the protests and called for the blockades, which caused severe shortages of food, fuel and medicine in several regions. According to reports, several patients died because ambulances were unable to reach hospitals in time.

The protests were directed against the deteriorating economic situation, rising living costs and the reform agenda of the conservative government of President Rodrigo Paz, who took office after defeating Morales in last year's elections. The demonstrations ended only in June after Paz declared a 90-day state of emergency across Bolivia.

Charges Filed After Complaint by Business Group

The criminal investigation was triggered by a complaint filed by the conservative civic and business association "Comité pro Santa Cruz." Bolivia's Interior Ministry subsequently joined the accusation. Attorney General Roger Mariaca confirmed the warrant, saying it was issued in connection with investigations into armed uprising and terrorism.

Police were ordered to detain Morales and bring him to the Special Anti-Corruption Unit. Morales, who is currently abroad, rejected the charges as politically motivated. He has previously been the subject of arrest warrants related to other cases.

Morales Denies All Wrongdoing

The former president, who led Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, has described the legal proceedings against him as a campaign of political persecution by the new conservative government. Morales held power for nearly 14 years and remains influential among Bolivia's leftist and indigenous movements.