Bolivia Again Extends Ex-President’s Pretrial Detention

Courts in Bolivia have extended Jeanine Áñez’s pretrial detention for the eighth time.

The former interim president faces charges of terrorism and conspiracy linked to the 2019 political unrest.

A La Paz judge justified the extension, citing risk of flight and potential investigation interference.

This decision marks the last extension, says the judge. Prosecutors now face a deadline to either charge Áñez or dismiss the case.

Áñez will be detained for a minimum of 33 months without a verdict in this specific case.

In another case, she received a 10-year sentence for allegedly unlawfully seizing power after Evo Morales resigned.

She has been in a La Paz women’s prison since March 2021. Her attorney, Luis Guillén, calls the decision arbitrary and has appealed it.

Currently, Áñez is subject to three different trials. The first involves charges of sedition, terrorism, and conspiracy.

The second led to a 10-year sentence for neglect of duty and illegal actions.

The third case accuses her of wrongly appointing a relative as a state-owned company manager in 2020.

Background

The repeated extensions of Áñez’s pretrial detention are noteworthy. They hint at Bolivia’s polarized political environment, which has deep historical roots.

Critics argue that the extensions are politically motivated, as Áñez is a divisive figure tied to a tumultuous period in Bolivia’s history.

On the other hand, supporters claim that the extensions are necessary to ensure justice and prevent interference in an ongoing investigation.

Áñez’s long pretrial detention without a conclusive verdict raises concerns about due process.

International observers have questioned the fairness of the judiciary system in Bolivia, especially in high-profile cases.

Furthermore, the multiple trials facing Áñez signal the complexities involved in the nation’s legal and political landscapes.

These cases serve as a litmus test for Bolivia’s judicial independence and ability to impartially navigate sensitive issues.