Arrest Warrant Issued for Evo Morales Over Human Trafficking Allegations
An arrest warrant has been issued for former Bolivian president Evo Morales on charges of aggravated human trafficking involving a minor. The prosecution alleges that Morales had a relationship with a 15-year-old girl, resulting in the birth of a daughter in 2016. Prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez announced the warrant on December 16, stating that it had been issued on October 16 but was only made public recently due to the complexities of the case, which involves a former head of state. Morales has consistently denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated.
The case dates back to 2015, during Morales' presidency, when he allegedly entered into a relationship with the minor, whose parents purportedly sought political benefits through their daughter's association with Morales. The prosecution has filed charges against both Morales and the girl's mother for aggravated human trafficking. This marks the second arrest warrant issued against Morales for the same allegations, as a previous warrant was annulled following a legal appeal by his defense team.
Ongoing Investigation Amid Political Tensions
The investigation into Morales has been ongoing since September, but he has failed to appear before authorities, prompting the prosecutor's office to file formal charges and reactivate the arrest warrant. Morales has taken refuge in Chapare, a region known for coca cultivation, where he has received support from his followers, leading to protests and confrontations with police. Gutiérrez emphasized that the case is not politically motivated, stating, "Mr. Morales impregnated a 15-year-old girl in 2016, who gave birth to a girl."
Morales has accused the current government, led by President Luis Arce, of orchestrating a campaign against him to prevent his participation in the upcoming 2025 elections. He claims that the investigation is part of a broader strategy to eliminate him politically. The case continues to unfold as the prosecutor's office prepares for a hearing on precautionary measures, with the victim's mother also facing an arrest warrant.
