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Bolivia’s former interim president Jeanine Áñez walked free from prison Thursday after Bolivia’s Supreme Court of Justice annulled her 10-year sentence, marking a dramatic turn in the country’s tumultuous political landscape.
“It’s like coming back to life,” Áñez declared as she emerged from Miraflores women’s prison in downtown La Paz. Emotional and visibly relieved, she waved a Bolivian flag to the cheers of supporters who had gathered outside, shouting “Yes, we could.”
The 54-year-old former leader had spent more than four years behind bars following her arrest in March 2021. She was convicted in June 2022 for her role in assuming the presidency after the resignation of then-president Evo Morales during the political crisis of 2019.
“I gave my country everything I had to give. It has been very painful… they treated me like a real criminal,” Áñez said, her voice breaking as she addressed the crowd.
The Supreme Court’s ruling on Wednesday fundamentally recharacterized Áñez’s ascension to power, stating that “her actions were protected by a state of constitutional necessity aimed at preserving the institutional continuity of the Bolivian state.” This judicial determination effectively closes the debate over whether there was a coup against Morales, as his supporters have long claimed.
The court ordered that Áñez face a political trial rather than a criminal one, as her defense had demanded. The decision represents a significant rebuke to the narrative pushed by Morales’ Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party, which has dominated Bolivian politics for nearly two decades.
The 2019 crisis that led to Áñez’s interim presidency was triggered by contested elections in which Morales claimed victory for a fourth consecutive term. The Organization of American States subsequently denounced those results as fraudulent, sparking widespread protests that resulted in 37 deaths and ultimately forced Morales to resign and flee the country.
Áñez, then a little-known senator, assumed the presidency through a controversial congressional session after all higher-ranking officials in the line of succession had resigned alongside Morales.
“The monster had to go for it to be acknowledged that there was not a coup in this country, but rather an electoral fraud,” Áñez stated upon her release. “I will never regret having served my country when my country needed it.”
The timing of the court’s decision is particularly noteworthy, coming just three days before the inauguration of President-elect Rodrigo Paz, whose victory on October 19 marked the end of the MAS party’s long political dominance. Paz has extended an invitation to Áñez to attend his inauguration, and her daughter Carolina Rivera indicated she might accept.
Áñez has faced multiple legal challenges during her imprisonment. In August, courts annulled two other convictions against her related to the deaths of 20 protesters during the 2019 political crisis. According to legal experts, she now has no pending cases in ordinary courts.
The Supreme Court also recently ordered reviews of pretrial detentions for two other opposition leaders, who have since been released from prison and placed under house arrest. These developments suggest a significant shift in Bolivia’s political and judicial landscape as the country transitions to new leadership.
The case has highlighted deep divisions within Bolivian society. Supporters of Áñez have consistently maintained that her interim presidency was constitutional and necessary to restore order, while Morales’ backers have characterized her rise to power as an illegal coup backed by right-wing forces and foreign interests.
As Bolivia prepares for Paz’s inauguration, the release of Áñez represents more than just freedom for one political figure—it signals potential reconciliation in a country that has been sharply polarized for years. Whether this judicial decision will help heal those divisions or further entrench them remains to be seen.
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11 Comments
While the Supreme Court’s ruling may provide some legal closure, the political and social divisions in Bolivia remain deeply entrenched. Navigating this landscape will require statesmanship and compromise from all sides.
The Supreme Court’s decision to annul Áñez’s sentence is a significant development, but it does not necessarily resolve the underlying tensions and competing narratives surrounding her time in power. Bolivians will need to grapple with this complex legacy as they chart a path forward.
This ruling is a reminder that the pursuit of justice is often complicated by political realities. While Áñez’s release may be legally justified, it’s crucial that Bolivia continues to address the root causes of the 2019 political crisis to prevent future instability.
The release of Jeanine Áñez raises many questions about the legitimacy of her time as interim president and the broader political dynamics in Bolivia. It’s a complex situation that will likely continue to generate debate and discussion.
The release of Jeanine Áñez is a reminder of the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of adhering to constitutional procedures, even in times of crisis. Bolivia’s future stability will depend on its ability to heal these deep political divisions.
This case highlights the complexities of transitional justice and the delicate balance between upholding the rule of law and addressing past political upheaval. It will be interesting to see how Bolivia moves forward from here.
It’s good to see Áñez freed from prison, even if the circumstances remain contentious. Upholding the rule of law and due process is important, regardless of one’s political affiliations.
I agree. The judicial system should function independently and impartially, without political interference. Hopefully, this ruling brings more clarity to the events surrounding her presidency.
The overturning of Áñez’s conviction is a significant development, but it does little to resolve the underlying tensions and challenges facing Bolivia. Sustainable political and economic reforms will be crucial going forward.
This is an interesting development in Bolivia’s turbulent political landscape. I’m curious to see how it impacts the country’s stability and future direction going forward.
The release of Bolivia’s former interim president Jeanine Áñez is a complex and politically charged development. While the Supreme Court has annulled her sentence, there are still many unanswered questions around the events of 2019 and her time in power.