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

Jan 17, 2025, 09:48 PM

A Bolivian judge in Tarija, Nelson Rocabado, 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 during his presidency. Morales, who was Bolivia's first indigenous president from 2006 to 2019, is accused of initiating a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015, resulting in the birth of a daughter in 2016. The judge also declared Morales in contempt, suspended the trial until his appearance, froze his assets, and prohibited him from leaving the country. Prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez stated that if convicted, Morales faces a penalty of 10 to 15 years in prison. Morales denies the charges, claiming they are politically motivated by his former ally and current political rival, President Luis Arce, to bar him from participating in upcoming presidential elections. The case has escalated tensions between Morales and Arce, who have been at odds since late 2021 over government decisions and the selection of a presidential candidate for the ruling Movement for Socialism party. The parents of the minor allegedly consented to the union in exchange for political benefits.