Bolivian judge issues arrest warrant for former President Evo Morales

BOGOTA, Colombia

A Bolivian judge issued an arrest warrant Friday for former President Evo Morales after he failed to attend a hearing for a second time.

Morales is accused of trafficking a minor during his presidency from 2006 to 2019.

"It is ordered that an arrest warrant be issued against the accused, Evo Morales," said Nelson Rocabado during a public hearing that was broadcast on state television.

The warrant requires Morales to appear before the judge handling the case. Morales was declared "in rebeldía," meaning the trial will be suspended until he appears, according to prosecutor Sandra Gutiérrez.

His lawyers claimed he was unable to attend a hearing on Tuesday due to health issues, including bronchopneumonia and bradycardia.

Morales' defense claimed Friday he had heart problems, but the judge ruled that his ailments were treatable.

Morales' assets have been frozen and he is prohibited from leaving Bolivia.

The development comes after Morales was formally charged with human trafficking, with an initial arrest warrant issued in October. The case stems from allegations of an improper relationship with a minor who became pregnant during his presidency.

Morales denies the allegations and accuses President Luis Arce's government of orchestrating a plot to disqualify him from the presidential elections in August. Both are fighting for control of the ruling party and for the leadership of the left-wing presidential candidacy.

If convicted, Morales faces a prison sentence of up to 15 years, according to the prosecution. Despite his publicly known whereabouts, police have yet been able to execute an arrest warrant issued by the prosecution.

Morales has been in Cochabamba, his central stronghold, since September. He remains under the protection of his supporters, who claim to have established multiple "security rings" to prevent his arrest.