Background on Evo Morales and His Relevance
Evo Morales, a former Bolivian president who served from 2006 to 2019, has been a significant figure in the country’s political landscape. As Bolivia’s first indigenous president, Morales championed socialist policies and sought to empower the indigenous population. His tenure was marked by controversy, including allegations of authoritarianism and attempts to extend his time in office. Despite these controversies, Morales maintained a strong following among his supporters.
Formal Accusation and Investigation Details
The Tarija Regional Prosecutor’s Office has formally accused Evo Morales of human trafficking aggravated circumstances related to his alleged relationship with a minor in 2015. The accusation stems from an exhaustive investigation initiated in September 2024, which uncovered sufficient evidence to formally charge Morales and the minor’s mother, Idelsa Pozo.
Allegations and Morales’ Response
The relationship, which occurred while Morales was still in office, reportedly resulted in the birth of a child. Despite being summoned for hearings regarding this case, Morales has not attended any of the citations. He is also facing accusations in Argentina for alleged abuse of minors following two denunciations by the right-wing, linked to Argentine President Javier Milei.
Morales, currently confined in the coca-growing region of Chapare within the Cochabamba lowlands, is protected by his supporters. He has accused President Luis Arce’s government of fabricating the case, as he was previously investigated in 2020 during Jeanine Áñez’s interim presidency without any findings.
Prosecutor’s Dismissal
Sandra Gutiérrez, the former head of the Tarija Prosecutor’s Office, was recently dismissed from her position by Róger Mariaca, the state’s attorney general. Gutiérrez mentioned receiving a memorandum of appreciation for her service but did not provide further details about her removal, as reported by ‘El Deber’ newspaper.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Evo Morales? Evo Morales is a former Bolivian president who served from 2006 to 2019. He was the country’s first indigenous president and advocated for socialist policies.
- What are the formal charges against Evo Morales? The Tarija Regional Prosecutor’s Office has formally accused Evo Morales of human trafficking aggravated circumstances related to his alleged relationship with a minor in 2015.
- What is the basis for these accusations? The investigation uncovered sufficient evidence to formally charge Morales and the minor’s mother, Idelsa Pozo.
- Where is Evo Morales currently located? Morales is confined in the coca-growing region of Chapare within the Cochabamba lowlands, protected by his supporters.
- What is Morales’ response to the accusations? Morales has accused President Luis Arce’s government of fabricating the case and not attending any hearings related to it.
- What other accusations is Morales facing? Morales faces additional accusations in Argentina for alleged abuse of minors following two denunciations by the right-wing linked to Argentine President Javier Milei.
- What happened to the former head of the Tarija Prosecutor’s Office? Sandra Gutiérrez, the former head of the Tarija Prosecutor’s Office, was dismissed by Róger Mariaca, the state’s attorney general. Gutiérrez mentioned receiving a memorandum of appreciation for her service but did not provide further details about her removal.
