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The Tarija Prosecutor's Office issued an arrest warrant and a migration alert against former Bolivian President Evo Morales, who is accused of aggravated human trafficking.
The measure is due to his absence from a summons to testify in a case related to an alleged romantic relationship with a minor in 2015, CNN reported.
Sandra Gutiérrez, the departmental prosecutor of Tarija, reported that the order also applies to Idelsa Pozo Saavedra, the mother of the then minor, who is accused of the same crime.
According to the report, the investigation began in September following a police intelligence report indicating that Morales had maintained a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015, which resulted in the birth of a daughter in January 2016.
The parents of the minor, Pozo Saavedra and Emeterio Vargas Mamani, are facing aggravating circumstances due to their relationship with the victim. Vargas Mamani remains in preventive detention.
The prosecutor emphasized that there are procedural risks, such as flight and obstruction, which is why they will request the preventive detention of those involved during the precautionary measures hearing.
Morales, who has not commented on the order, has previously described the accusation as a "dirty war" orchestrated by the government to thwart his candidacy in the 2025 elections.
Similarly, the former president claimed to be a "victim of unrestrained hatred" and questioned the fairness of the process.
The date for the precautionary hearing will be set in the coming days by a judge.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Arrest Warrant for Evo Morales
Why was an arrest warrant issued for Evo Morales?
The arrest warrant against Evo Morales was issued due to his failure to attend a summons to testify in a case of alleged aggravated human trafficking, related to a supposed romantic relationship with a minor in 2015. The Tarija Prosecutor's Office believes that there are risks related to the legal process, such as flight and obstruction, which has led to the request for his preventive detention.
What are the specific accusations against Evo Morales?
Evo Morales is facing accusations of aggravated human trafficking and statutory rape in relation to a minor with whom he allegedly had a child in 2015. The allegation is based on a police intelligence report that highlights his relationship with a 15-year-old girl, from whom a daughter was born in January 2016.
What consequences could this arrest warrant have for Evo Morales?
The arrest warrant could lead to his preventive detention and impact his political career, particularly his intention to run in the 2025 elections. Morales has previously stated that he sees these actions as part of a "dirty war" aimed at thwarting his candidacy.
What has been Evo Morales' reaction to these accusations?
Evo Morales has described the allegations as a "dirty war" and a "political persecution" driven by the government to obstruct his candidacy in the 2025 elections. Morales claims to be a "victim of rampant hatred" and questions the impartiality of the judicial process against him.
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