Bolivian Judge Orders Arrest of 65-Year-Old Evo Morales for Alleged Human Trafficking and Sexual Abuse

Jan 17, 2025, 09:01 PM

A Bolivian judge has ordered the arrest of former President Evo Morales, who is 65 years old, 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 child in 2016. The judge in Tarija also declared Morales in contempt, suspended the trial until he appears, and ordered the freezing of his assets and a ban on leaving the country. Morales has denied the allegations, claiming they are politically motivated and part of a 'legal war' against him. He has been staying in the Chapare region, surrounded by 200 bodyguards, since October.