Ex-Interior Minister Held at Bolivian Borders Following Expulsion from the United States

Former Bolivian Interior Minister Arturo Murillo Arrested and Facing Charges

Arturo Murillo, the former interior minister of Bolivia, was arrested upon his arrival in the country on Wednesday night. He was deported from the United States and is now facing charges in Bolivia, including crimes against humanity for a deadly crackdown on anti-government protesters in 2019.

Murillo served as interior minister under President Evo Morales, the founder of the Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. Morales resigned under pressure from the military during protests disputing his reelection to a fourth term in November 2019. The court proceedings against Murillo will further test the independence of the judiciary in a politically polarized nation.

The Organization of American States' human rights watchdog reported evidence of "massacres," "systematic torture," and "summary executions" by security forces during the crackdown led by Murillo. In addition to homicide and crimes against humanity charges, Murillo faces accusations of money laundering, abuse of authority, aggravated theft, and influence-peddling.

The money laundering case involved a lucrative contract to sell tear gas to the Bolivian government. During his time in power, Murillo was accused of referring to political opponents as "narco-terrorists" and "animals," and leading a deadly police crackdown on protests that drew sharp rebuke from human rights groups.

On Thursday, Murillo was seen in handcuffs being escorted to the main investigative police station in La Paz ahead of a court hearing. Government Minister Roberto Ríos stated that Murillo must be held accountable during a press conference. Roger Marica, the Attorney General in Bolivia, has stated that Murillo must end up in a prison in La Paz, highlighting his role in overseeing Murillo's prosecution and emphasizing accountability in the case against Murillo.

The Supreme Court in Bolivia recently ordered a review of detention orders against right-wing opposition leaders following elections that brought down the long-ruling MAS party. The court decisions reopened wounds from Bolivia's 2019 crisis that left at least 37 people dead and dozens wounded, with the majority being civilians protesting Morales' ouster. Judges in Bolivia last week annulled a key case against Jeanine Añez and ordered the release of her jailed political allies under lenient house arrest arrangements.

The prosecution of Arturo Murillo in Bolivia will be closely watched by human rights groups and the international community. The outcome of the case may serve as a testament to the independence of the Bolivian judiciary and the country's commitment to accountability and justice.

Ex-Interior Minister Held at Bolivian Borders Following Expulsion from the United States