Warrant for arrest of Evo Morales on allegations of human trafficking remains active, as per Justice Minister's statement.
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Shiftin' Things with Evo Morales and That Human Trafficking Brouhaha
Hey there, buckle up! Today we're diving into the wild world of Bolivian politics, where things are as chaotic as a populist rally. The former president, Evo Morales, found himself embroiled in a rather sticky situation – an arrest warrant for human trafficking, no less. But, hold your horses, 'cause things took a twisty turn!
Siles, the Bolivian Minister of Justice, dropped a bombshell on Friday that the arrest warrant against Morales... y'know, the one for human trafficking... is still on the books, even after a judge in Santa Cruz called off the chopped liver on Wednesday.
Siles, in typical no-nonsense fashion, announced that the indictment, jurisdiction, and the full competence of the judge are all still in effect, and the ruling is suspended as a precautionary measure. He claimed this during an interview with the Bolivian Information Agency.
But wait, what did Judge Lilian Moreno say on Wednesday? She nullified the indictment and the arrest warrant against Morales, dumping the case into the Cochabamba courthouse, a spot where Morales enjoys the unwavering support of trade union and peasant organizations. Ain't politics grand?
Now, if you consider yourself a scholar of legal jargon, then you'd know the ruling stated that, in accordance with Article 34 of the CPC (Criminal Procedure Code), all determinations adopted are suspended, while they wait for the resolution of this appeal. Morales cheered this move, seeing it as a symbol of justice, while the president of the Supreme Court of Justice of Bolivia, Romer Saucedo, expressed his disagreement with judges who allow accused pedophiles to mock justice.
Firm action is in the works, as the President of the Council of the Magistracy, Manuel Baptista, kicked off an investigation against Judge Moreno, claiming the body will be unyielding when judicial authorities attempt to skirt the law.
The annulment goes back to December 2024, when the Prosecutor's Office in Tarija laid the smackdown on Morales with human trafficking charges. Morales, being a savvy fella, refused to testify in the case, leading the prosecutor, Sandra Gutiérrez, to slap an arrest warrant on him.
According to the accusation, Morales is charged with aggravated human trafficking for maintaining a relationship with a minor under 15 years of age in 2015, during his tenure as president. Sure, we can file that under "Things you shouldn't do while being President."
Now, here's a twist: While Morales aims to campaign in the elections, the Constitutional Court of Bolivia has hosed that dream, as the presidency can only be occupied for two consecutive terms. But Evo ain't giving up that easy!
In rare and exciting news, the five occupants of a plane that crashed in the Amazon of Bolivia were found alive, and Lady Gaga's fans descended upon Rio de Janeiro for her "largest concert" ever. Who said politics was the only show in town, eh?
additional rulings:- The arrest warrant against Morales was lifted on April 30, 2025, after Judge Lilian Moreno nullified it in Santa Cruz. However, the judicial review and ongoing political rivalry within the MAS party have left the case in a state of legal uncertainty.- Morales' human trafficking charges stem from allegations that he fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl during his presidency, using his position to conceal the relationship. His lawyer argued that the ruling restores his constitutional rights, including freedom of movement.- Morales' political enemies accuse him of exploiting the case as an attempt to block his presidential bid, while supporters see it as a political maneuver by current president, Luis Arce.- The annulment has deepened the political divide in Bolivia, as the judicial council president orders a review of the decision. Morales continues to press on with his plans to register for the August 2025 election despite the constitutional court ruling barring him from seeking a fourth term.
Stay tuned for more juicy updates from the world of Bolivian politics! Can't get enough, can you?
- The arrest warrant against Evo Morales for human trafficking, initially issued in December 2024, was lifted on April 30, 2025, following Judge Lilian Moreno's ruling in Santa Cruz.
- The human trafficking charges against Morales involved allegations that he fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl during his presidency, and he used his position to conceal the relationship.
- Morales' lawyer argued that the ruling restores his constitutional rights, including freedom of movement.
- The annulment of Morales' human trafficking charges and the ongoing political rivalry within the MAS party have left the case in a state of legal uncertainty.
