A judge in Bolivia has rocked the nation by issuing an arrest warrant for former president Evo Morales. The populist leader, who led the country from 2006 to 2019, is accused of having a child with a teenage girl in 2016 – an act that would constitute statutory rape under Bolivian law.
Morales, 65, failed to appear in court in the southern region of Tarija, where the alleged victim resides. “There’s been a warrant ordered for his search and arrest,” declared Judge Nelson Rocabado after the hearing on Morales’ possible pre-trial detention.
Morales Denies Allegations, Claims Political Persecution
The ex-president has vehemently denied the shocking allegations against him. Morales asserts that he is the “victim” of a legal warfare campaign orchestrated by his former ally turned political rival, current President Luis Arce. Refusing to appear in court, Morales has taken refuge in the coca-growing region of Chapare, where he remains protected by multiple security cordons.
Supporters Block Roads, Demand Justice for Alleged Victim
News of the arrest warrant sparked protests from Morales’ loyal supporters, who blocked key roads leading to his stronghold of Cochabamba for weeks in October and November. The unrest crippled Bolivia’s economy as demonstrators sought to prevent their leader’s arrest on charges of unlawful sex with a minor and human trafficking.
Meanwhile, outside the Tarija courthouse, a group of mothers rallied with banners proclaiming “Evo Morales abuser, girls are not to be touched”. The women demanded justice for the alleged teenage victim at the center of this explosive case that has plunged Bolivia into turmoil.
Prosecutor Seeks Preventive Custody, Morales Cries Political Plot
Prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez clarified that Morales, the nation’s first Indigenous president, is wanted for “human trafficking involving a minor” rather than rape. She called for the ex-leader to be placed in preventive custody for six months while authorities investigate whether he committed a crime by failing to appear in court.
For his part, Morales maintains the accusations are a sinister plot to thwart his political comeback aspirations. The populist leader has retreated to the region of Chapare, living in coca growers’ union headquarters behind a formidable array of security measures to avoid arrest.
A Fallen Icon Faces His Darkest Hour
As Bolivia grapples with the unfolding drama, the eyes of the world are fixed on Evo Morales – a man who rose from humble origins to become a transformative leader, only to be brought low by sordid allegations that have shattered his reputation and imperiled his freedom.
With an arrest warrant hanging over his head and the shadow of scandal darkening his legacy, Bolivia’s former president now faces the gravest crisis of his political life. As tensions mount and demonstrations rage, the question on everyone’s lips is whether Evo Morales will answer the charges against him – or risk becoming a fugitive from the very system of justice he once pledged to uphold.
