The case began recently when a young woman from Tarija, identified by the initials ESNV, accused Morales of rape and sexual harassment, saying that the incident happened when she was a child. According to the investigation, she got pregnant when she was 15 years old, Morales is suspected to be the father. This claim is supported by documents from the Prosecutor’s Office, including the birth certificate of the victim’s child, which lists Morales as the father.
However, this statutory rape charge is not the only case Morales is involved in. The investigation revealed that he led a child trafficking network, allegedly organized through the “Presidential Youth Guard,” an entity made up of teenagers, mainly between the ages of 14 and 15, who were recruited to serve Morales. Cindy, the young woman who filed the complaint, is a member of this group.
An important element of the investigation is the birth certificate of the victim’s daughter, which was issued in 2018 but shows a date of birth from 2016, when the mother was only 15 years old. The leaked documents confirm what has been rumored for years: a secret relationship between Morales and a teenager during his presidency.
Although the relationship was kept under wraps, in 2020, international media began to investigate allegations of a trafficking network linked to Morales. According to testimony, the parents of a teenager who was recruited as a bodyguard of the president were allegedly offered financial compensation in exchange for handing over their daughter to the former president.
On September 26, 2024, the Tarija Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Morales on charges of human trafficking, smuggling, and statutory rape. However, within hours, the prosecutor leading the case was abruptly dismissed, raising concerns about a high-level cover-up operation aimed at protecting the former president. Prosecutors support this as politically motivated.
This case has now been suspected of corruption and political interference. The dismissal of the prosecutor has been interpreted as an attempt by the Bolivian government to bury the investigation. Despite many victims coming forward and real evidence, progress has been slow, with state-controlled media downplaying the allegations.
Morales, using his considerable influence, allegedly manipulated the judicial system to prevent efforts to investigate him. Child trafficking networks are believed to have developed under the protection of this power structure, with teenagers from poor rural areas being recruited and promised scholarships or financial rewards for their families in exchange for their participation in the presidential guard.
Bolivian Government Minister Eduardo Del Castillo said Cindy’s case may be just the beginning. According to investigators, more women have come forward, alleging abuse by Morales and his inner circle during their teens, with many victims as young as 14 years old.
The accusations against Morales add to the narrative of corruption, abuse of power, and manipulation of Bolivia’s judicial system. As more victims dare to speak out, additional revelations may emerge, further implicating Morales and increasing his legal troubles.
This case emphasizes the severity of the judicial system in countries where political power is used to protect the pigs at the top of the government. Despite the evidence presented, many of us wonder whether justice will be served or whether, as has happened in the past, the case will be buried under the cloak of impunity.
Original by Joana Campos.
MarÃa Herrera Mellado is one of the EE.UU. y license in España. Doctora en Ciencias JurÃdicas and Analista polÃtica. La Dra. Herrera is known for his extensive experience in analysis and consulting in public policy design, law proposals and international relations management.
Contribute to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies and individuals who have been wronged by the wronged person, privacy or political inclusion of fundamental effectiveness in the field of transparency in the fight against corruption.
Académica and professional experience in the converter that has been resolved in the public debate and the analysis of topical themes in contemporary politics and law.
MarÃa Herrera Mellado is a US-based lawyer also licensed in Spain. He holds a PhD in Legal Sciences and is known as a legal and media policy analyst.
Dr. Herrera is recognized for his extensive experience in analyzing and consulting on public policy design, legislative proposals, and international relations management.
The recognition comes from the contribution to the analysis and legal representation of various organizations, companies, and individuals whose human rights or privacy have been violated, or who benefit from the inclusion of effective policies, especially in the field of transparency, accountability, and the fight against corruption .
His academic background and professional experience make him a respected voice in public debate and in the analysis of current issues, especially in contemporary political and legal challenges.
