Bolivian Judge Issues Arrest Warrant for Former President Evo Morales

Evo Morales faces allegations of trafficking a minor and accuses the government of political persecution ahead of upcoming elections.

A Bolivian judge ordered the arrest of Evo Morales after he failed to appear at two court hearings regarding allegations of trafficking a minor.
The charges stem from claims that Morales had a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015, allegedly with the consent of her parents in exchange for benefits.
Morales denies the accusations, calling them a politically motivated 'judicial war' orchestrated by President Luis Arce, his former ally and current rival.
The court has frozen Morales' assets and barred him from leaving the country while he remains in his stronghold in the Cochabamba region, protected by supporters.
Supporters of Morales, including indigenous groups, have staged protests against the government, citing economic grievances and denouncing what they view as judicial persecution.