Official statements from Bolivian authorities or credible news organizations

Bolivian Judge Orders Arrest of Evo Morales in Cochabamba for Alleged Human Trafficking, Faces 10 to 15 Years

Jan 17, 2025, 08:45 PM

A Bolivian judge has ordered the arrest of former President Evo Morales after he failed to appear for a second time at a court hearing related to allegations of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor. Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019, is accused of having a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015, resulting in the birth of a daughter the following year. The judge declared Morales in contempt and issued a warrant for his arrest, along with freezing his assets and prohibiting him from leaving the country. Morales faces a potential prison sentence of 10 to 15 years if convicted. He remains in Cochabamba, surrounded by over 2,000 supporters. The case has been a point of contention between Morales and his former ally, current President Luis Arce, with Morales alleging political persecution aimed at preventing his participation in the upcoming presidential election.