Bolivia’s MAS ruling party files complaint against Civic Committee leader for alleged sedition

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The government of Bolivian president Luis Arce announced that it would repeal the anti-money laundering law, the main motive for the strike organized by the Committee in the country.

However, on Sunday the Committee protested again, stating that it would continue to do so until the repeal was officially signed, which is expected to occur this Tuesday.

This move by the MAS comes after the government’s warning last week that it would launch a criminal investigation into the opposition which has been encouraging “acts of sedition, terrorism and conspiracy” in recent days, in the context of protests and blockades called to demand the repeal of the recently passed anti-money laundering law.

The announcement was made by Deputy Justice Minister César Siles, after statements by some of the opposition civic committee leaders, who in the past few days spoke of “overthrowing the government” and conditioned peace to the repeal of Law 1386.

Siles assured that the Prosecutor’s Office would take immediate action and the government would initiate “the appropriate criminal investigations” into those who are “trying to overthrow” president Luis Arce, “legally elected” with over 55% of the votes.

Just a few hours after warning president Luis Arce that “the people hold the solution” when they do not feel listened to, Calvo backtracked and pointed out that “at no time” were they seeking to “overthrow” the government.