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.