Bolivian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales, accusing him of playing a leading role in protests that sought to force President Rodrigo Paz from office and triggered weeks of nationwide disruption.
The warrant, issued in the eastern city of Santa Cruz on Wednesday, says Morales is under investigation for allegedly endangering transportation safety, forming a criminal organisation, publicly inciting crimes, and attacking the security of public services.
Prosecutors said Morales' presence is essential to the investigation, describing him as the alleged perpetrator of the reported offenses.
Morales rejects charges
Morales strongly denied the accusations, saying the government was attempting to silence opposition while diverting attention from Bolivia's worsening economic and social problems.
"Today, the government has issued a new arrest warrant against me, accusing me of alleged crimes of terrorism and armed uprising," Morales wrote on X.
"They are trying to hold us responsible for the social protests in order to conceal the real crisis facing Bolivia."
He vowed to continue opposing the government, saying, "They will not intimidate us. We will continue fighting alongside the people."
Protests deepened national crisis
Between May and June, farmers from La Paz and workers affiliated with the Bolivian Workers' Center, backed by pro-Morales groups, staged seven weeks of road blockades across western and central Bolivia.
The protests demanded the resignation of President Paz and caused widespread shortages of food, fuel and medical oxygen.
Authorities said the disruption contributed to at least 16 deaths, including 13 patients who could not be reached by emergency medical teams in time because of blocked roads.
