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A Bolivian court yesterday found former President Janine Anes guilty of orchestrating a coup that brought her to power during the 2019 political crisis.
Anees was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A former army commander and a former high-ranking police officer were also found guilty.
Anees, 54, was also convicted of making "decisions against the constitution" as well as misconduct in office.
The prosecution said that Anιες, who was then a right-wing senator, violated rules guaranteeing constitutional and democratic order after Bolivia's 2019 presidential election.
Anιες' defense said an appeal will be filed with international bodies to get justice and many opposition actors are planning protests against the ruling.
Bolivia is divided over whether there was a coup when then-President Evo Morales resigned in 2019, with Anιες taking over the presidency amid a power vacuum. Morales' resignation came after mass protests over the disputed election results, which were marred by allegations of fraud.
Anees herself has pleaded not guilty. She was not allowed to be physically present in court and instead attended and participated in the proceedings from prison. She was remanded in custody in March 2021, charged with terrorism, sedition and conspiracy.
Her supporters say her trial is illegal and politically motivated.
"I did not seek to become president, but I did what I had to do. I assumed the presidency out of obligation, in accordance with what is provided for in the constitution," Anees said in her closing statement to the court.
Source: APM
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