Full Breakdown
Bolivia's Supreme Court Orders Release of Former President Jeanine Anez
11/7/2025, 12:46:45 AM
Supreme Court Ruling and Immediate Release
On November 5, 2025, Bolivia's Supreme Court ordered the immediate release of former interim President Jeanine Anez, annulling her 10-year prison sentence. The ruling, delivered by Supreme Court Justice Romer Saucedo, stated that Anez's conviction for illegally assuming the presidency in 2019 was based on violations of due process during her trial. Anez had been imprisoned since March 2021, following her conviction in 2022 for allegedly breaching constitutional norms during her administration after the ousting of then-President Evo Morales.
Background of the Political Crisis
Anez, a former senator, declared herself interim president in November 2019 after Morales fled the country amid mass protests over alleged election fraud during his bid for a fourth term. Morales, Bolivia's first Indigenous president, claimed he was the victim of a coup, a narrative disputed by many observers who noted that the military did not seize power. Anez's administration faced significant unrest, with reports indicating that at least 35 people were killed and hundreds injured during protests against her government.
Legal Proceedings and Annulling of Conviction
The Supreme Court's decision to annul Anez's conviction redirected her case to a "trial of responsibilities," a special legal process for former heads of state. Justice Saucedo emphasized that Anez should have been tried by a special court designated for lawmakers rather than the ordinary criminal justice system. The court's ruling followed a broader political shift in Bolivia, as the recent presidential election resulted in the victory of Rodrigo Paz from the center-right Christian Democratic Party, marking a significant defeat for the ruling Movement for Socialism (MAS) party.
Official Statements & Responses
In the wake of the ruling, Anez did not immediately comment but had previously expressed on social media that she would "never regret having served my country when it needed me." Justice Saucedo noted that the annulment was based on several arguments, including retrospective amendments to the underlying criminal law and the need to ensure Anez's right to a fair trial.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Anez's administration have pointed to the violent crackdown on protests during her presidency, which they argue undermined democratic principles. The MAS party, which returned to power in 2020, has consistently accused Anez of orchestrating a coup. The annulment of her conviction has reignited debates over the legitimacy of her interim government and the political turmoil that followed Morales's departure.
What's Next
Following her release, Anez will undergo a political trial as mandated by the Supreme Court. This trial will address the allegations against her in a context that is expected to be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, given the contentious political landscape in Bolivia.
