Bolivia issues new arrest warrant against former President Evo Morales for terrorism and armed uprising

Bolivian prosecutors have issued a new arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales, charging him with terrorism and armed uprising for allegedly instigating road blockades that paralyzed the country for over 50 days. The blockades caused severe shortages, 22 deaths, and over $3 billion in losses. Morales, currently sheltered by 2,000 supporters in the Chapare region, claims the warrant is a U.S.-directed political persecution. Meanwhile, President Rodrigo Paz's administration and an OAS mission insist Morales must face justice.

Terrorism arrest warrant issued

• ▪The Santa Cruz district prosecutor's office in Bolivia issued a new arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales on charges of terrorism and armed uprising.
• ▪The arrest warrant issued by fiscal Brayan Melgar accuses Evo Morales of six crimes, including association to commit a crime and public instigation to commit crimes.
• ▪The criminal complaint against Evo Morales was initiated by the Comité pro Santa Cruz and later joined by the Bolivian Ministry of Government.

Road blockade economic losses

• ▪Road blockades in Bolivia lasting over 50 days between May and June 2026 caused food, fuel, and medicine shortages in cities like La Paz and El Alto.
• ▪The Bolivian government estimated that the mid-2026 road blockades caused economic losses exceeding 3 billion dollars.
• ▪The Defensoría del Pueblo de Bolivia reported that the mid-2026 protests and road blockades resulted in 22 deaths, 88 injuries, and 573 arrests.

U.S. conspiracy defense claims

• ▪Evo Morales linked his arrest warrant to statements by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who convened international representatives to combat left-wing political violence.
• ▪Evo Morales claimed that the new arrest warrant against him was a direct instruction from the United States government.

Chapare refuge protection

• ▪Evo Morales has been residing in the Chapare region of Bolivia since October 2024 to avoid arrest.
• ▪Evo Morales is protected in the Chapare region by a human shield of approximately 2,000 supporters and union members.

Prior trata case pending

• ▪Bolivian judicial authorities declared Evo Morales in contempt and rebelling after he failed to appear for three scheduled court hearings regarding the trafficking case.
• ▪Evo Morales faces a prior active arrest warrant issued in 2024 for alleged human trafficking and statutory rape of a minor.

Government enforcement policy

• ▪An Organization of American States mission led by Albert Ramdin expressed support for President Rodrigo Paz and declared that 53 days of road blockades are unacceptable.
• ▪President Rodrigo Paz and presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez stated that Evo Morales must face justice and that the law applies equally to all citizens.