The national police force of Bolivia announced that they had arrested 44 protesters on Oct. 25, after supporters of of former president Evo Morales set up more than 20 roadblocks on highways across the country to prevent his arrest. The police accused protestors of committing various crimes, including attacks on transportation security, usurpation of functions, criminal association, armed robbery and terrorism. In a press conference, Minister of Government Eduardo Del Castillo condemned the the protesters' use of dangerous weapons, including dynamite, assault rifles and shotguns. He noted that 14 officers have been injured and one is undergoing surgery.

Morales is currently being investigated for statutory rape and human trafficking as a result of an alleged relationships he had with a minor while he was in office. Since mid-October, supporters of the former president have set up blockades in an effort to prevent his potential arrest. At the time of the announcement, the police had cleared at least 12 blockades.

The protests have disrupted fuel and energy supplies. YPFB, the state-owned oil and gas company, stated that due to the highway blockades there could be a natural gas shortage in the Llallagua and Uncía regions of Potosí department starting Oct. 27.

The former president "has racked up at least five accusations of having sexually abused minors" while in office, according to media reports.

Morales criticized the move by President Luis Arce to mobilize police troops, claiming that the government's clearing of the blockades is an illegal breach of the right to protest, which is protected by the Bolivian Constitution. He went on to accuse the government of causing the violence, alleging police brutality at bridges near Villa Khora, La Paz department.

Morales stepped down from the presidency following a disputed election in 2019, and fled the country. The army allegedly encouraged him to leave office, with his supporters characterizing the incident as a military coup. The interim government that subsequently took over accused Morales of several crimes including sedition and terrorism, in addition to the present charges that are being pursued under the elected government of Arce.

From Jurist, Oct. 27. Used with permission.

See our last report on the political crisis in Bolivia.