Wilfredo Chávez, lawyer of the former dictator Evo Morales, downplayed the cases of child abuse, asserted that if a girl doesn't consider herself a victim, there can't be a criminal process. His words caused immediate backlash on social media and in legal circles. The jurist defends Morales in the case of aggravated human trafficking.
Chávez stated that there are "thousands of cases" of marriages with minors, not all should be considered crimes. This stance was criticized by child rights advocacy organizations. Criminal law specialists affirm that the law protects minors beyond their perception.
The lawyer also questioned the judicialization of the Morales case and said that the entire process is part of a political persecution. He argued that if there is no express complaint from the victim, the criminal action doesn't proceed. However, Bolivian regulations state otherwise in sexual crimes, Chávez ignored this legal basis in his intervention.
The statements come after the reactivation of the arrest warrant against Evo. This measure was adopted by Judge Franz Zabaleta of La Paz, who annulled a previous resolution that benefited Morales. The judicial decision reinstates the process initiated in Tarija, the former president's defense called the measure "illegal."
Morales faces charges for an alleged relationship with a minor, according to the accusation, the young woman had a daughter with him in 2015. The event occurred when Morales was president of Bolivia. The Prosecutor's Office keeps that there are sufficient elements to investigate human trafficking, the case has provoked divided reactions in the country.
The former dictator remains hidden in the Tropic of Cochabamba, he hasn't left that region since the arrest warrant was reactivated. In recent statements, he said he already chose the party with which he will go to the elections. He stated that it is a "security strategy" and promised to reveal the name of the acronym in the coming days.
Wilfredo Chávez also questioned Judge Zabaleta, accusing him of having "nefarious antecedents". According to the lawyer, the magistrate was sanctioned for serious offenses, he also insinuated links with the government of Luis Arce. For Chávez, the case reflects an internal war in MAS and he believes his client is a victim of that conflict.
