We, the undersigned express our deep concern over the detention of our colleague and friend Dr. Juan Antonio Morales Anaya.

Dr. Morales Anaya’s public career is full ofaccomplishments.  His many academic and intellectual credentials have been accompanied by a firm commitment to public service. Under his leadership, the Central Bank of Bolivia earned a well deserved reputation as a world-class institution, and for him the admiration of his international colleagues. As a professor, Dr. Morales has contributed to the formation of dozens of generations of economists in his native country. Dr. Morales has always enjoyed the esteem and appreciation of those who had the privilege of knowing him personally. Humility, integrity, honesty, social sensibility, and commitment to democracy are the values that have guided Dr. Morales Anaya’s life and career. 

In these difficult times we publicly reiterate our most absolute respect and admiration for Dr. Morales Anaya and express our sincere solidarity to him and his family. We asked a decent treatment for him in accordance with his age and health condition. We hope the judicial authorities respect and guarantee his human and procedural rights.