Bolivian prosecutors declare two former ministers of ex-President Áñez “in absentia”

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Bolivian prosecutors declared “in absentia” two former ministers of the former transitory president Jeanine Áñez, after they failed to appear to testify in the case of the alleged overpriced purchase of anti-riot material.

After the precautionary hearing, Anticorruption Prosecutor Junior Flores informed the media that it was decided to charge the former Ministers of Government (Interior) Arturo Murillo and of Defense Luis Fernando López for not appearing and not justifying their absence.

At the hearing, the lawyer of former Minister López was present, who stated that his client is in “hiding”, said Flores.

“The investigation will be carried out in the absence of these defendants”, said Flores when commenting on what the declaration of default implies.

In addition, it was determined to carry out “preventive annotations of the assets of the accused,” in which the corresponding “official letters” will be sent to different institutions to freeze their bank accounts and register their belongings.

Judge Claudia Castro pointed out that this declaration was made at the request of the Attorney General’s Office and the Public Prosecutor’s Office and that it must now be published in print media.

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The Bolivian courts are investigating the purchase of riot material with alleged overpricing during the mandate of Áñez, in which former ministers Murillo and López are involved.

On past occasions, the government of Luis Arce explained that in the government of Áñez, US$5.6 million were paid for the purchase of tear gas in 2019, but that the company was canceled for only $3.3 million for its acquisition. Hence, there was an overpricing of $2.3 million.

Both former ministers are being investigated for the crimes of undue use of influence, resolutions contrary to the Constitution, and breach of duties.

Murillo is currently detained in the United States, accused of corruption and money laundering. At the same time, the government of Luis Arce intends to extradite López, who is believed to be in Brazil.

Murillo’s hearing in the USA is scheduled for July 9, and if found guilty, he would face a 20-year prison sentence.

This case is also being investigated whether the Ecuadorian government of former president Lenín Moreno delivered anti-riot material and even “munitions of war” to former president Áñez.

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