A Bolivian judge has issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales after he failed to attend a court hearing regarding allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor. The case claims Morales, 65, had a child with a teenage girl in 2016, a relationship that would qualify as statutory rape under Bolivian law.
Judge Nelson Rocabado, speaking after a hearing in the southern region of Tarija, confirmed the warrant for Morales’ search and arrest. The alleged victim resides in this area, and Morales’ absence from court proceedings has led to increased legal pressure.
Morales, who has denied the allegations, dismissed the case as part of a “legal warfare” orchestrated by his political rival, President Luis Arce. He further claimed he was being targeted due to their growing political tensions, particularly as both leaders vie for control of Bolivia’s ruling party ahead of the August presidential elections.
In December, the Bolivian prosecutor’s office had already ordered Morales’ detention, but Friday’s warrant escalated the situation. Morales is believed to be barricaded in Chapare, his stronghold in central Bolivia, where he remains protected by security forces and the local coca growers’ union.
A group of women outside the courthouse on Friday displayed banners reading, “Evo Morales abuser, girls are not to be touched,” voicing their support for the victim.
Sandra Gutiérrez, the prosecutor handling the case, stated that they would now investigate whether Morales committed a crime by failing to appear in court. Morales’ defense team had previously cited health concerns, including bronchopneumonia and heart conditions, but the judge dismissed these excuses, asserting that the ailments were treatable.
As of now, neither Morales nor President Arce have commented publicly on the arrest order.
