The court's decision came two days after the arrest of the 62-year-old politician and was made during a virtual hearing by the judge on Friday.
Luis Arce, who leads the "Movement for Socialism" party, was elected president of Bolivia in 2020 but resigned just a month ago after a right-wing opponent won the elections for the first time in nearly two decades. Arce is accused of abuse of power and financial misconduct, which he vehemently denies.
If the court finds him guilty, the former president could face up to six years in prison. According to media reports, this case could provoke increased political tension in the country, given Arce's influence and his support among leftist movement supporters.
