La Paz, Bolivia – A Bolivian judge on Friday ordered the arrest of former President Evo Morales after he failed to appear in court to address allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.
The case dates back to 2016, when Morales, now 65, is accused of having a sexual relationship with a teenage girl, reportedly resulting in the birth of a child. The alleged relationship would constitute statutory rape under Bolivian law, which prohibits sexual relations with minors under 18 years of age.
The warrant comes after Morales repeatedly failed to comply with legal summonses regarding the case. The former president, who governed Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, has yet to comment publicly on the arrest order. His legal team, however, has previously denied the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
Morales, currently believed to be residing in Argentina, has been a controversial figure in Bolivian politics. After resigning in 2019 amid allegations of election fraud and widespread protests, he fled the country but returned in 2020 following the election of his ally Luis Arce.
The case has reignited tensions in Bolivia, where Morales remains a polarizing figure. Supporters argue that the charges are part of a campaign to discredit him, while critics see the case as a test of the country's judicial independence.
Bolivian authorities have not disclosed whether they will seek international cooperation to ensure Morales' return to face the charges.
