Former Prosecutor Claims Dismissal Over Morales Case
Former prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez of Tarija, Bolivia, has publicly stated that her dismissal from the prosecutor's office was due to her issuing an arrest warrant against former President Evo Morales. Gutiérrez alleges that she was ordered to drop the investigation into Morales, who is implicated in a human trafficking case involving minors. The arrest warrant was later revoked by other prosecutors, leading to her dismissal after she refused to resign under pressure.
Morales Denies Allegations and Claims Political Persecution
Evo Morales, who served as Bolivia's president from 2006 to 2019 and is eyeing a return to power in the 2025 elections, has vehemently denied the allegations against him. He characterized the actions against him as part of a broader attempt by neoliberal governments to silence him, asserting that he will continue to fight for his supporters. Morales's defense team claims that the renewed investigations are politically motivated, stemming from ongoing tensions between Morales and the current president, Luis Arce.
Ongoing Tensions and Calls for Justice
The allegations against Morales come amidst a backdrop of political strife within Bolivia, with calls for an independent investigation into the claims of human trafficking and smuggling. Political analysts have noted that the ongoing conflict between Morales and Arce has severely impacted Bolivia's democratic institutions and the justice system. The recent withdrawal of Morales's political refugee status by Argentine President Javier Milei adds another layer to the complex political landscape surrounding this case.
