Full Breakdown
Evo Morales Held in Contempt as Child Trafficking Trial Stalls in Bolivia
5/12/2026, 5:11:59 AM
Contempt Ruling Halts Child Trafficking Trial
On May 11 2026, a criminal court in Tarija declared former President Evo Morales in contempt after he missed the scheduled trial on aggravated child trafficking. The judge issued an arrest warrant, froze assets, and suspended the oral hearing until Morales is detained or appears voluntarily.
Legal Background and Procedural Developments
Morales served three terms (2006-2019) and resigned after the disputed 2019 election. He is accused of a relationship with a 15-year-old girl in 2015/2016 and of fathering a child. The allegations surfaced in 2020, stalled, reactivated in 2024 and reached oral trial. He was held in contempt in January 2025 for missing a pre-trial detention hearing. May 2026 hearing was to begin final stage.
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutors say they have over 170 evidence items. The court invoked Bolivian law barring trials in absentia, issuing an arrest warrant, freezing bank accounts and registering assets. The judge noted Morales’ unjustified absence. President Rodrigo Paz’s administration announced it will request U.S. assistance to investigate alleged drug-trafficking links tied to the case.
Criticism & Opposition
Attorney Nelson Cox says the case closed in 2020, that there is no victim, and calls the charges a “political fabrication” to block Morales’ candidacy. He also cites insufficient security guarantees to move Morales from Chapare. Morales calls the process “legal warfare” and “fabricated charges” meant to annihilate him morally and physically.
On-the-Ground Reports
Thousands of supporters protested, blockaded roads for 24 days in October 2024, and maintain a protective presence in Chapare. Self-defense groups blocked police, sparking clashes when authorities tried to enforce the arrest warrant.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the relationship’s year (2015 vs. 2016). The 170 evidence items lack detail. Prosecutors claim a victim exists; the defense says none. Morales’ location remains unconfirmed, described only as “sheltered”.
Verbatim Quotes
- “the government is carrying out against me a brutal judicial and media persecution with fabricated charges to annihilate me morally and physically.” — Evo Morales, X
- “Because the accused failed to appear and did not legally justify his absence, this court issues a contempt ruling,” — Judge, Tarija
- “Unfortunately, the court is not respecting international standards (…) it is not appropriate for him to appear,” — Nelson Cox
- “It is a mockery of the victims and the judicial system. The evidence is overwhelming and the accused must answer for his actions before the law,” — Regional prosecutor, Tarija
- “there is no victim” — Defense attorney
What’s Next
The arrest warrant stays active, allowing security forces to detain Morales nationwide. The trial will resume when he is secured or appears voluntarily. President Rodrigo Paz’s government plans to seek U.S. cooperation on alleged drug-trafficking links. No new oral hearing date has been set, leaving the fallout unresolved.
