This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
On November 30, 2019, Bolivia's interim government announced plans to file a lawsuit against former President Evo Morales at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, citing alleged crimes against humanity.
The move comes after Morales, who resigned on November 10, 2019, was accused of sedition and terrorism by interim Minister of Government Arturo Murillo. Morales allegedly called on supporters to blockade cities and cut off fuel and food supplies.
Murillo stated that Morales 'must answer to justice for what he has done, and is doing, in addition to his accomplices who have participated in the tragic events that Bolivians have experienced.'
According to Bolivian law, if Morales were charged and convicted, he could face a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail.
Morales has denied wrongdoing, accusing the interim government of 'genocide' following the deaths of 32 people, mostly his indigenous supporters, in post-election violence.
He claimed he was being persecuted for leading a pro-poor, pro-indigenous government and nationalizing the country's gas and other natural resources.
Meanwhile, Murillo expressed concern over the presence of an Argentine human rights group in the country, warning them to be careful and stating that there is 'zero tolerance' for terrorism, sedition, or armed movements.
