13.05.2026 01:50
A critical decision has been made in the case against former President Evo Morales in Bolivia, regarding allegations of human trafficking and a relationship with a minor. Morales did not appear before the court in Tarija, was declared a 'fugitive' by the judiciary, and an arrest warrant was issued for him. The court also imposed a travel ban on the former leader and authorized police forces to directly detain Morales wherever he is seen.
A striking development has occurred in the investigation into "qualified human trafficking" against former President Evo Morales in Bolivia. When Morales and his lawyers failed to attend the first hearing of the case in the city of Tarija, the court issued an arrest warrant and declared the former leader a "fugitive."
Along with the court's decision, a travel ban was imposed on Morales, and security forces were authorized to detain the former leader immediately without needing an additional court order.
COURT RULED HIM A "FUGITIVE"
In the trial process that began in the Tarija court, Morales's failure to attend the hearing was considered by the judiciary as an "escape from justice."
The judge decided that the former president should be officially considered a "fugitive" and announced that police forces could directly detain Morales.
Morales's lawyers, however, argued that the process was being conducted unlawfully. The legal team stated that the official notification was not properly served, which is why they did not attend the hearing.
PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE SUSPENDED THE PROCESS
Prosecutor Luis Gutierrez, handling the case, announced in a statement to local media that the case has been temporarily suspended until the defendants are brought to court.
Gutierrez said, "The trial process has been suspended until the defendants appear in court or are brought by security forces."
The prosecutor's office also emphasized that the capture of Morales is entirely the responsibility of security forces.
TENSIONS RISE IN CHAPARE
Evo Morales, who has long been based in the Chapare region of Cochabamba, is known to have a strong supporter base there.
According to reports in the Bolivian press, pro-Morales groups are preparing in the region against a possible detention operation. It has been claimed that control points have been established in some areas to hinder the entry of security forces.
A security alert has been issued due to the possibility of new protests in the country.
CHARGES AGAINST HIM ARE SERIOUS
The Bolivian prosecutor's office accuses Morales not only of human trafficking but also of having a relationship with a minor girl in 2016 and fathering a child from that relationship.
The investigation file also includes allegations that the girl's family directed their child to Morales in exchange for financial and political gain.
An arrest warrant had also been issued for the former leader in December 2024 on charges of "sexual abuse."
UNCERTAINTY DEEPENS IN THE COUNTRY
Evo Morales, who served as President of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, is still seen as one of the significant political figures in the country.
However, the recent cases and mounting accusations against him have further increased political polarization in Bolivia. Following the court's latest decision, all eyes are now on a potential operation by security forces against Morales.