Former president Morales did not appear Monday at trial in Tarija on charges of human trafficking involving a minor. Court issued arrest warrant.
5:27 PM
Bolivia's judiciary declared former president Evo Morales in contempt of court Monday after he failed to appear at trial in Tarija on charges of human trafficking involving a minor, according to court officials and prosecutors.
Judge Carlos Oblitas issued the contempt declaration and an arrest warrant against Morales, who served as president from 2006 to 2019. The tribunal also renewed the warrant and issued an order for his apprehension and preventive detention, according to Grover Mita, a vocal of Bolivia's Supreme Court of Justice.
The trial began Monday morning at 08:20 local time at the Departmental Court of Justice in Tarija. Luis Esteban Ortiz, president of the tribunal, confirmed that proper legal notifications had been made to Morales and a second defendant before the hearing commenced.
Prosecutors accuse Morales of maintaining a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015, during his presidency, with whom he fathered a daughter. The relationship allegedly occurred while Morales was in office, a period spanning from 2006 until 2019, when he left the country following pressure from opposition forces and segments of the military that did not recognize his electoral victory.
The second defendant is the mother of the alleged victim. Prosecutors allege that the girl's parents consented to the relationship in exchange for political and economic favors. The father remained imprisoned for more than a year; the mother has been declared a fugitive.
Morales's legal defense announced in advance that he would not attend the hearing, citing what they characterized as "political persecution" and claiming the criminal process had been conducted irregularly. Defense attorney Wilfredo Chávez stated that proper legal procedures had not been followed in notifying his client.
The trial installation was suspended Monday due to Morales's absence, according to the Public Ministry. Prosecutor Luis Gutiérrez stated that the trial remains suspended until Morales and the mother of the alleged victim appear voluntarily or are brought before the court by police.
According to reports, Morales is currently in the Chapare region, his political stronghold in Bolivia's coca-growing area, where he is protected by thousands of peasants who have established a guard to prevent police intervention.
Bolivia begins Monday operating an air bridge to return approximately 405 Peruvian citizens trapped by highway blockades to Juliaca, Peru.
Antauro Humala said Peru could pursue Arica and Tarapacá recovery diplomatically or militarily if Roberto Sánchez wins the runoff.
Piero Corvetto stepped down from Peru's electoral office after the April 12 presidential vote faced irregularities, ballot issues, and extended counting delays.
Mario Bustamante Leiva, 50, pleaded guilty to robbery and fraud charges in Washington D.C. and faces deportation to Chile after serving his sentence.
Families report compatriots were promised jobs in Moscow but sent to combat zones in Ukraine. At least eight Peruvians have died.
