A Bolivian judge has ordered former President Luis Arce to remain in detention for five months as authorities investigate serious allegations of financial misconduct involving a fund designated for Indigenous communities. This decision follows his arrest in La Paz just two days prior, marking a significant moment in Bolivia’s ongoing political landscape.
Arce, who recently concluded his term as president, attended a virtual court hearing led by Judge Elmer Laura, during which his legal team made a plea for his immediate release. However, the judge declined this request, emphasizing the gravity of the charges, which pertain to the management of state resources intended to support vulnerable sectors of society.
The allegations suggest that during Arce’s tenure as economy minister from 2006 to 2017 under the administration of former President Evo Morales, approximately 0 million was improperly diverted from a state fund intended to finance development projects for Indigenous peoples and peasant farmers. This fund was originally established to utilize natural gas revenues for community empowerment.
The new right-wing government’s Interior Minister, Marco Antonio Oviedo, pointed a finger at Arce, labeling him the “principal person responsible” for purportedly approving substantial transfers of money into personal accounts, linked to projects that allegedly were never realized. As investigations continue, no trial date has been set.
Arce defended his position during the hearing, asserting his innocence and alleging that the charges against him are devoid of merit and politically motivated. He characterized himself as a “scapegoat” amid the current political turmoil, seeking to highlight what he perceives as a significant misinterpretation of his role regarding the fund’s management.
In a twist of fate, the case was stirred back into motion as Bolivia grapples with a severe economic crisis—its worst in 40 years—following the recent election of conservative President Rodrigo Paz. His administration has made anti-corruption a central pillar of its platform, an initiative welcomed by those advocating for accountability in governance. Paz’s vice president, Edmand Lara, took to social media to express approval of Arce’s detention, stating that anyone implicated in corruption should be made to return stolen funds.
Former ministers from Arce’s administration have vocally condemned his arrest, characterizing it as an overreach of power and politically charged persecution against the Movement Toward Socialism party. If convicted, Arce could face a prison sentence of up to six years.
With public and political sentiments divided, the unfolding situation underscores a pivotal moment for Bolivia and its approach to governance and accountability.
#PoliticsNews #MiddleEastNews