Bolivian Prosecutors Issue Arrest Warrant for Evo Morales Over Alleged Abuse of Minor

Dec 16, 2024, 11:24 PM

Bolivian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales, charging the 65-year-old with human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor. The allegations stem from a case involving Morales' alleged relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015, during his presidency, which resulted in the birth of a child in 2016. Prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez announced the formal charges and confirmed the arrest warrant, which was issued on October 16 but only made public recently due to the complexity of the case. Morales, who has been in hiding in the Chapare region, has denied the accusations, labeling them as political persecution orchestrated by his successor, President Luis Arce, to prevent him from running in the upcoming presidential election. The case has led to significant political tension in Bolivia, with Morales' supporters engaging in protests and blockades.