Bolivia reaffirms extradition plea for former President Goni to the U.S.

Bolivia has reiterated its call to the United States to extradite its former president, Gonzalo Sánchez de Lozada, commonly known as Goni.

The plea follows Goni’s recent proposal to modify the Bolivian Constitution, explained Bolivian Foreign Minister Rogelio Mayta.

After nearly two decades of silence, Goni made a public appearance on June 18, proposing a constitutional amendment that would establish a prime minister role and revert the Plurinational State to a Republic.

This proposal challenges the framework former President Evo Morales introduced through constitutional reform.

Since 2003, Goni, a proponent of neoliberal principles, has sought refuge in the U.S. following protests and a police revolt against his administration during the Gas War.

“Sánchez de Lozada escaped our country on October 17, 2003, in the face of unstoppable public mobilization,” Mayta said.

The Foreign Minister reminded that Goni had been implicated in the deaths of around 60 individuals due to military oppression he authorized in 2003, during public opposition to his plan to export gas through Chilean ports to the U.S.

The former president could not face trial in Bolivia due to the national legislation prohibiting in absentia trials.

However, the victims’ families are pursuing a civil case in U.S. courts, which led to the initial ruling against Sánchez de Lozada in 2021 to compensate the affected families.

Although an active bilateral extradition treaty exists between Bolivia and the U.S., Bolivian officials claim it is not being adhered to in Goni’s case, alleging he benefits from political protection.

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