The Bolivian Public Prosecutor's Office has filed formal charges against former President Evo Morales for aggravated human trafficking related to alleged abuse of a minor during his presidency in 2016. This action follows a renewed arrest warrant issued after Morales failed to appear for questioning.
Since September, Morales has been under investigation but has remained in hiding in Chapare, a region known for coca cultivation, where he has received support from his followers, leading to protests and confrontations with police. The prosecutor, Sandra Gutiérrez, stated that the formal charges were necessary after Morales did not respond to a notification within the stipulated timeframe.
On the same day, police returned to Chapare following previous protests led by Morales. They had been forced to withdraw due to allegations of aggression from his supporters. Morales has accused President Luis Arce, his former ally, of conspiring with judges to politically eliminate him.
As of now, Morales has not publicly commented on the arrest warrant or the formal charges against him. The prosecutor indicated that a judge will soon schedule a hearing regarding precautionary measures in the case. Additionally, the mother of the victim also faces an arrest warrant, while the victim's father remains the only individual detained in connection with the case.