Arrest warrant issued against Romer Saucedo, TSJ president, for drug trafficking
Bolivia's Public Prosecution Service confirmed an arrest warrant against the president of the Supreme Court of Justice for drug trafficking and criminal organisation. Saucedo left the country claiming political persecution.
Public Prosecution Service issues arrest warrant against TSJ president for drug trafficking and criminal organisation
According to reduno.com.bo, Bolivia's Public Prosecution Service General confirmed the existence of an arrest warrant against Romer Saucedo, president of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), in the framework of an investigation into alleged trafficking of controlled substances and criminal organisation.
Deputy General Prosecutor José Armando Urioste stated that the warrant is "effective" and was signed by two prosecutors in charge of the case. Urioste clarified that the measure was issued on Tuesday and that, according to available information, Saucedo reportedly returned briefly to Bolivia following a trip abroad before leaving the country again by land.
Saucedo announced on Wednesday via his social media that he had left the country, arguing that his "freedom" and his "life" are in "danger". He accused the Government of President Rodrigo Paz of fabricating a case against him to "discredit" him. "I have left without having any open proceedings, but I know they will begin soon", wrote the magistrate, who described himself as a "persecuted" person for "questioning political power".
Urioste noted that investigations will continue their course and are currently under confidentiality due to the presence of protected witnesses. "The investigations are going to proceed, they are going to continue their course", said the prosecutor.
Saucedo was elected magistrate of the TSJ through popular vote in the 2024 judicial elections for a six-year term. On 15 October he submitted his resignation from the presidency of the court, with effective date scheduled for January 2027, although in his Wednesday post he ratified that he will not abandon his position as magistrate.
The TSJ resolved to grant the six days established by law for Saucedo to resume his duties in Sucre, seat of the Judicial Branch. Failing to do so, the court will analyse the corresponding legal actions for abandonment of office.
The Vice-Minister of Interior and Police, Peter Maldonado, linked the magistrate's departure to former General Prosecutor Roger Mariaca, imprisoned and dismissed in October after being accused by the Government of heading a criminal organisation that protected "narco-terrorism". "Many of Mariaca's accomplices and criminals are fleeing and putting themselves in a safe place", said Maldonado.
President Paz, who was in Madrid to participate in the XXX Ibero-American Summit, described the situation as a "regrettable development, but encouraging for the future" and noted that Saucedo is leaving the country due to "a series of accusations or investigations concerning our judicial system model".
Source: Google News BO — La Paz