On October 11, 2024, Bolivian prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez announced that an arrest warrant will be issued for former President Evo Morales (2006-2019) as part of an investigation into alleged 'human trafficking' and 'statutory rape'. Gutiérrez stated that the warrant is necessary as Morales and the other individuals involved have been duly notified without any violation of their rights.
Morales, now 64, has claimed that the case is politically motivated, describing it as a 'political persecution' by the government of President Luis Arce, who was once his ally but has since become a political rival. The two leaders are at odds following a split within the ruling party ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Morales was expected to appear before the prosecutor's office in Tarija but failed to do so, with his lawyer Jorge Pérez citing the former president's distance of over 980 kilometers as a reason for his absence. Pérez argued that Morales could not be placed at a disadvantage in the legal proceedings.
In response to the potential arrest warrant, Morales's supporters have threatened to block key routes across the country. Vicente Choque, a party leader, stated that they are protecting Morales's residence and the surrounding area.
The investigation, which stems from events in 2016 when Morales allegedly fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl while in office, had stalled for four years amid accusations of political interference in the judiciary. The case has gained renewed attention following allegations that Gutiérrez was removed from her position for pursuing the investigation, although she was later reinstated.
This situation underscores the ongoing political tension in Bolivia and raises significant concerns regarding the intersection of politics and justice in the country.