The Bolivian Justice declared former dictator Evo Morales in contempt and ordered his arrest after he failed to appear at a court hearing related to a case of human trafficking involving minors. The decision was made by a court in Tarija, which also suspended the start of the oral trial until the procedural situation of the former president is resolved.
The case investigates a supposed relationship between Morales and a minor during his time as Bolivian dictator. According to the accusation presented by the Prosecutor's Office, the case is linked to an alleged network of political favors and benefits granted to the adolescent's family.
The court ordered the issuance of an arrest warrant against the former president and also imposed asset and travel restrictions. The presiding judge stated that Morales did not adequately justify his absence and that, for this reason, it was appropriate to declare him in contempt according to Bolivian law.
After the resolution was made public, lawyers close to Morales denounced an alleged political persecution driven by government sectors and claimed that the former president did not attend due to health issues. However, the Justice deemed the arguments presented by the defense insufficient.
