Evo Morales Arrest Warrant Complicated by Power Struggle

Bolivian prosecutors have issued an arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales over allegations of statutory rape and human trafficking involving a 15-year-old girl, with whom he allegedly fathered a child in 2016. Morales denies the charges and claims they are part of a political campaign by President Luis Arce to prevent him from running in the 2025 elections, citing 'lawfare'. The arrest warrant has been in effect since October, but enforcement has been hindered due to safety concerns as Morales is protected by coca growers in Cochabamba. The case, originally launched in 2019, was recently reactivated with evidence found in Tarija, highlighting a power struggle between Morales and Arce, both from the Movimiento al Socialismo party, for the presidential nomination. Sandra Gutiérrez, the prosecutor, stated the warrant's issuance was due to Morales's failure to testify.