Bolivian Supreme Court Revokes Former Interim President's Prison Term

The Supreme Court of Bolivia has annulled the 10-year prison sentence previously imposed on Jeanine Áñez, the former interim president, and has ordered her immediate release after over four years of incarceration. The court's decision is rooted in findings of procedural irregularities and retrospective changes to criminal law that affected the original verdict.

Áñez ascended to Bolivia's presidency in late 2019 following the resignation of Evo Morales, who stepped down amid allegations of electoral irregularities and mounting pressure from the military. This transition triggered extensive civil unrest and protests, resulting in dozens of fatalities and significant political upheaval across the country.

After Morales left office and briefly went into exile, Áñez served as interim president until national elections were held. In 2022, she was convicted of making unconstitutional decisions and failing to fulfill her duties during her tenure, leading to a decade-long prison sentence. The verdict had been a focal point in Bolivia's ongoing political tensions, with critics alleging judicial overreach and supporters defending the legal process.

The Supreme Court's review found that the criminal law applied in Áñez's case was amended after the events in question, raising concerns about the retroactive application of legal standards. The court also noted procedural violations during her original trial, including issues related to due process and the choice of legal channels used to prosecute a former head of state.

In line with Bolivian legal norms, the court has now mandated that Áñez faces a political trial, a process distinct from ordinary criminal proceedings and typically reserved for high-ranking public officials. This development follows requests from Áñez's legal team, who argued that the former president should have been subject to political rather than criminal prosecution from the outset.

The decision comes at a pivotal moment in Bolivia's political landscape. Following recent presidential elections, Senator Rodrigo Paz Pereira of the Christian Democratic Party secured victory in a runoff, signaling a transition away from nearly two decades of left-leaning governance under Morales and his successor, Luis Arce. Pereira is scheduled to take office imminently, amid heightened political scrutiny and calls for institutional reforms.

Áñez's release and the forthcoming political trial are expected to further influence Bolivia's evolving political dynamics. The case remains emblematic of broader debates over accountability, transitional justice, and the rule of law in the country. Observers both domestically and internationally will be monitoring the next steps closely as Bolivia navigates its ongoing political transition.