Evo Morales, Bolivia’s former president who faced a legal investigation into allegations of human trafficking and rape of minors, warned of road closures and protests if authorities proceed to arrest him.
The charges against Morales are based on allegations that he had an illicit relationship with a minor during his presidency that resulted in the birth of a child. The former leader is now barricading himself in a coca plantation in Chapare.
He denies the allegations, calling them “politically motivated” and part of a wider campaign led by President Luis Arce. Morales also insists the charges are an attempt to weaken the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS) ahead of next year’s presidential elections.
Bolivian prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez issued the arrest warrant after Morales failed to appear for questioning. She emphasised that the judicial process was moving forward despite Morales’ refusal to cooperate. Meanwhile, his supporters vowed to resist any attempts to detain him, warning of possible riots across the country.
Morales, who remains a major figure in Bolivian politics, has accused Arce of orchestrating a judicial attack against him, whereas Arce’s allies argue that Morales is trying to play the victim in order to regain political relevance.
As tensions rise, Bolivia faces the prospect of major upheaval as Morales’ supporters threaten to block roads.
