The coca grower Leonardo Loza demanded respect for the terrorist Ruth Nina.

Senator Leonardo Loza denounced this Thursday an alleged political persecution against Ruth Nina. He stated that the judicial process opened against her undermines the rule of law. He asserted that he doesn't agree with the way the case is being handled.

The coca grower parliamentarian maintained that there is a political use of justice during an electoral period. He emphasized that all Bolivians have constitutional rights, but with this he defends Nina, who threatens to prevent the elections.

Loza said that the former PAN-BOL candidate will decide how to assume her defense. However, he made it clear that he doesn't share the way she is being investigated. "We are not in a state of tyranny", he declared.

In his opinion, democratic principles are being violated. He also criticized the role of the Prosecutor's Office in this process.

Ruth Nina was summoned to testify for threats against the TSE. In an "evista" assembly, she said that there would be deaths instead of votes.

Loza reacted by saying that Nina must be careful. He recommended that she get good lawyers. He again pointed out that there is no justice in Bolivia.

The MAS legislator believes that there are no guarantees for anyone. He said that even innocent people can end up imprisoned.

He also assured that there are political intentions behind the case. He denounced a manipulation of the judicial system. He indicated that this is happening because the elections are approaching.

Threats against the TSE

General elections are scheduled for August 17. In this context, several "evista" leaders made threats after it was confirmed that their leader was disqualified.

Nina stated that her group would "give their lives" rather than vote for the right wing. She issued a warning to the TSE. Loza, however, avoided qualifying those words as a crime.

The president of the TSJ called for "drastic measures" if Nina is arrested. He said that the former candidate must ask God for forgiveness. He also suggested that she see a psychologist.

His statements caused strong criticism. Former president Rodríguez Veltzé called for respect for judicial ethics.

Loza rejected the attitude of the judicial system. He insisted that justice must respect freedom of expression, especially that of socialists. He regretted that only Nina is being prosecuted for what was said at a political event.

Other people who also made threats against the electoral process participated in the same event. However, none were summoned by the Public Prosecutor's Office.

The senator also referred to the case of Evo Morales. He said that more than 1,500 leaders shouted "without Evo there are no elections". He questioned why only the former dictator is being prosecuted.

In his opinion, there is an intention to eliminate Morales politically. He warned that institutional stability is being broken.

Loza denounced political persecution

For Loza, both Morales and Nina are being persecuted. He believes that the aim is to criminalize political opinions.

The coca grower authority insists that the rule of law must prevail. He assures that there are no guarantees in Bolivia. He states that justice responds to partisan interests.

Meanwhile, Pan-Bol leaders supported Nina. Although some sectors distanced themselves from her threats.

Nelson Virreira said that she doesn't represent the indigenous movement. He emphasized that Pan-Bol has its own agenda. This division further weakens her defense.

Nina, far from retracting, reaffirmed her words. She said that the media distorted her speech. She asserted that her statements were a form of resistance.

For her, the TSE seeks to eliminate Evo Morales. That's why she issued her warning to the Government.

Controversy over the threats

The Prosecutor's Office opened an investigation for sedition. However, it has not yet issued an arrest warrant. Some judges believe that harsh sanctions should be applied.

Meanwhile, repudiation of Nina's statements continues to grow. Tension in the country is increasing, with less than a month to go before the elections.

The controversy reflects a deep political crisis. Some defend freedom of expression. Others demand exemplary sanctions.

Loza sides with the former. However, his statements put him at odds with the judicial system. They position him as a defender of a highly questioned figure.

"Evismo" has tried to distance itself from responsibility for Nina's statements. Some leaders indicated that Nina made them in a personal capacity. The TSE has condemned the statements.

Likewise, the president of the TSJ called for "the full weight of the law" to be applied. The crisis casts doubt on the impartiality of the electoral process.

Civil organizations expressed their repudiation of the threats. Although some analysts call for caution. They state that not every radical speech can be criminalized.

However, they also indicate that calls for violence should not be tolerated. Justice must act with balance.

The Nina case has not yet been solved. However, it has already caused a broad national debate. Leonardo Loza insists that there is political persecution.

Meanwhile, critics demand firmness in the face of crime. What is at stake is the credibility of justice. The peace of a very fragile electoral process is also at risk.