In a dramatic escalation of Bolivia’s political turmoil, authorities have arrested former interim president Jeanine Áñez along with several ex-ministers, accusing them of participating in a 2019 coup against then-president Evo Morales. The move has ignited fierce debate across the country — and around the world.
Early-Morning Arrest Sparks Outrage
Áñez was detained Saturday morning in the city of Trinidad, according to Interior Minister Eduardo Del Castillo Del Carpio, who posted the news on Facebook. She was immediately flown to La Paz, where she now faces charges of terrorism, sedition, and conspiracy.
The former president insists she is the target of political revenge, posting on Twitter that a “political persecution has begun.” She claims the arrest documents show fabricated allegations meant to silence her and her allies.
Bolivian television broadcast footage of police arresting former Energy Minister Rodrigo Guzmán and former Justice Minister Álvaro Coimbra, both accused of aiding Áñez in allegedly toppling Morales.
The 2019 Crisis Reignites
The charges stem from the chaotic events of November 2019, when Evo Morales resigned and fled Bolivia amid mass protests and widespread accusations of election fraud. As the highest-ranking senator, Áñez assumed the presidency on an interim basis — a move her supporters say was constitutional, but which Morales’ party, the Movement for Socialism (MAS), calls an outright coup.
Critics of the arrests argue that the MAS government is weaponizing the justice system to settle old political scores. Supporters counter that those responsible for the 2019 political upheaval must finally face justice.
MAS Back in Power — And Morales Returns
MAS regained control last year after winning congressional and presidential elections, sweeping Luis Arce into office. The victory paved the way for Morales to return to Bolivia and resume leadership within the party, setting the stage for today’s political reckoning.
As Áñez awaits trial, Bolivia’s deep political divisions are once again on full display — and the battle over the country’s recent past is far from over.