LA PAZ, Bolivia — On Friday, a Bolivian judge issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales after he did not show up in court to face allegations of sexually abusing a minor.
Morales, who is 65 years old, allegedly fathered a child with a teenage girl in 2016, an act that would be considered statutory rape under Bolivian law.
Judge Nelson Rocabado made the announcement regarding the arrest order following a hearing in Tarija, the southern region where the alleged victim resides.
The former president has refuted the accusations against him, claiming he is a “victim” of legal retaliation from President Luis Arce, who was once his ally but has since become a political opponent. Morales did not appear in court, and earlier in December, the Bolivian prosecutor’s office had already called for his detention. The issuance of the arrest warrant on Friday adds increased pressure on Morales amidst growing demands for his apprehension.
Morales has taken refuge in Chapare, central Bolivia, where he remains sheltered within the headquarters of the coca growers’ unions. He is protected by multiple layers of security in an effort to evade arrest.
Outside the courthouse, a group of women identifying as mothers displayed banners proclaiming, “Evo Morales abuser, girls are not to be touched.”
Prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez indicated that they will now explore whether Morales committed a crime by failing to attend his court hearing.
The case has surfaced amidst intense political maneuvering between Morales and Arce as they vie for control over Bolivia’s ruling party in advance of the upcoming presidential elections in August. Neither Morales nor Arce offered any immediate comments regarding the judge’s order on Friday.
In his defense, Morales’ legal team contended that the former president was unwell with bronchopneumonia, which accounted for his absence from court. On Friday, they also mentioned he has heart conditions. However, the judge dismissed these claims, affirming that such ailments are manageable.
Morales, who retains substantial support from Indigenous and rural communities in Bolivia, continues to garner backing from figures such as Isidro Vaca. He expressed that Morales is in hiding due to his belief that a fair trial is unattainable under the current administration.
“We will protect him and will not allow him to be arrested. We will be by his side around the clock,” Vaca stated.
In contrast, opposition leaders and government representatives are vocal in their criticism of Morales for skipping his court appearances.
“If he is innocent, he should take a paternity test,” remarked Roberto Ríos, Bolivia’s deputy minister of public safety.
