Judge Lilian Moreno annulled the indictment and arrest warrant against Evo Morales. The judicial ruling was issued in Santa Cruz, within the process that was being followed for aggravated human trafficking. According to lawyer Jorge Pérez, Morales can now leave the country freely, the resolution invalidates all fiscal and judicial actions until October 2, 2024.
Morales celebrated the decision on social media, stating that “justice has arrived” and thanked his supporters from the Tropic of Cochabamba. He also thanked Pachamama, his deceased parents, and those who protected him. He said he was saved from assassination attempts while he was in refuge.
The process originated in Tarija due to the alleged relationship of Morales with a minor, accused of human trafficking with aggravating circumstances, as he allegedly had a daughter with her. The Prosecutor's Office issued the arrest warrant in October 2024 and in January of this year he was declared a fugitive for not attending hearings. However, his arrest was never executed by the Police.
Is the case moving to the cocalero stronghold?
La juez ordenó que el caso se traslade a Villa Tunari
Moreno's ruling also orders the suspension of the fiscal investigation and mandates transferring the process to Villa Tunari, the political stronghold of the former president. Morales's defense filed a complaint to change the natural judge, the judge accepted that request and decided to restart the case. With this, the orders of rebellion and judicial restrictions are also annulled.
The decision was harshly criticized by several authorities. Romer Saucedo, president of the Supreme Court of Justice, expressed his disagreement. He said that he doesn't agree with rulings that allow those prosecuted for pedophilia to mock the law.
Deputy Luciana Campero also spoke out, calling the annulment of the arrest warrant “shameful.” “Judge Lilian Moreno nullifies the arrest warrant of the child abuser, Evo Morales,” she denounced.
She also questioned the continued use of judicial mechanisms to protect someone accused of serious crimes. “The impunity Morales enjoys borders on the absurd,” she added, demanding the immediate dismissal of the judge. Her statement was supported by other opposition legislators who announced legislative actions.
The president of the Magistracy Council, Manuel Baptista, announced a disciplinary investigation against Moreno. He said that any breach of the law will be sanctioned. He acknowledged that judicial independence will be respected, but warned that a thorough review of the case will be conducted.
Does Morales continue to control the country?
Jueza masista Lilian Moreno
Moreno had already attempted to favor Morales, in October of last year she annulled a similar arrest warrant. At that time, she was also questioned for her ties to the former president. She attempted to take the process to courts in Villa Tunari, as she has done again now, her decisions raise suspicions about impartiality.
Moreno worked in Morales's government between 2012 and 2016, she was the manager of the National Tax Service in Santa Cruz. She was also the legal head at ENFE and other public positions. In 2019 she was appointed sentencing judge shortly before Morales's resignation and last year she ran for judicial elections.
Moreno is not the only controversy surrounding her, in December 2023 she ordered the release of former mayor Angélica Sosa. That ruling also caused complaints and calls for judicial intervention. Deputy Rolando Cuéllar accused her of favoring corrupt individuals and called for her to be investigated for irregularities.
Moreno was also pointed out for her relationship with Erik Ariñez, who was the director of AJAM and was accused of trafficking mining areas. The couple was accused of forging signatures and sending false letters. Deputies from different political currents have questioned these events, but the judge did not respond to those accusations.
After issuing the recent ruling, Moreno disappeared from the public eye and the Police confirmed that she requested a six-day leave. Surveillance is being conducted at her office and home. There is no arrest warrant against her, but her movements are being monitored by intelligence agents.
Does the one accused of pedophilia remain unpunished?
Evo Morales y Noemi Meneses
The Tarija Prosecutor's Office has not yet officially commented, it is awaiting formal notification to issue an institutional response. Prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez led the investigation against Morales. She had a meeting with the Attorney General, Roger Mariaca, and it is unknown if there will be new legal actions.
At the center of the case is the alleged victim, a minor with whom Morales allegedly had a daughter. Her current whereabouts are unknown and it is also unknown where the girl is. The investigation is on hold until further notice.
Morales intends to run for the Presidency again in 2025, but a constitutional ruling prohibits his reelection. His circle is seeking legal avenues to enable him. The judge's decision paves the political path for him.
The credibility of the justice system was damaged by its lack of action in executing the arrest warrant. For more than six months, the Police avoided capturing Morales despite being legally authorized to do so. The Ministry of Government offered various excuses while the former president remained in refuge in the Tropic of Cochabamba, under the protection of his supporters.
