The World Liberty Congress (WLC) welcomes the historic release of Governor Luis Fernando Camacho in Bolivia, a pivotal moment for justice and democracy in the country following years of political persecution under the former MAS regime.
Governor Camacho, a leading figure in Bolivia’s democratic opposition, was arrested on December 28, 2022, under charges widely condemned as politically motivated and fabricated. His “terrorism” case—brought in retaliation for his leadership in the 2019 democratic movement that resisted electoral fraud—was emblematic of the systematic abuse of power by authoritarian actors determined to crush dissent. During his nearly three years in detention, Camacho was denied due process, subjected to harsh prison conditions, and repeatedly silenced as he called for free elections and the restoration of constitutional order.
His release marks a victory for fundamental rights:
- It reaffirms the principles of due process and human dignity in the face of authoritarian repression.
- It shows that the will of the people cannot be extinguished by fabricated charges or political trials.
- It stands as a beacon of hope for all those unjustly imprisoned for defending democracy in Bolivia and beyond.
Call to Action: Free Jeanine Añez and All Political Prisoners
While we celebrate Camacho’s freedom, the fight for justice in Bolivia is not over. Former President Jeanine Añez, imprisoned since March 12, 2021, remains behind bars, as do numerous other political prisoners who sacrificed their liberty to defend democratic values.
We call upon Bolivia’s new leadership, international human rights organizations, and democratic governments worldwide to:
- Demand the immediate release of Jeanine Añez and all political prisoners.
- Condemn the criminalization of political dissent under any regime.
- Support the establishment of strong democratic safeguards to prevent future abuses of power.
The World Liberty Congress honors the courage of the Bolivian people and urges all nations to stand in solidarity with those still unjustly imprisoned. Only when every political prisoner is free will Bolivia—and the hemisphere—truly embody the ideals of liberty, justice, and democracy.
