Bolivia ex-President Anez behind bars six months after leaving office, faces terrorism charges

Share this post

Bolivia arrests ex-leader in crackdown on opposition. Photo: Juan Karita/AP

Six months after leaving office, Bolivia’s former interim President Jeanine Anez was put behind bars on Saturday after the new government arrested her, alleging that she participated in a 2019 coup to topple the government.

The former president and some ministers and security officials face charges of terrorism, sedition and conspiracy over an alleged coup against Bolivia’s 13-year socialist government, according to Reuters.

Anez led Bolivia for less than a year after long-time President Evo Morales left office following contested elections and violent protests.

The crackdown escalates hostilities between the current socialist administration of Morales’ political ally and successor President Luis Arce, and more conservative opponents it accuses of ousting Morales.

Anez, the 53-year-old politician and lawyer, was seen behind bars in a women’s holding cell in La Paz after her home was raided on Saturday by security agents.