On Monday, Bolivia's judicial system declared former President Evo Morales a fugitive after he failed to attend the opening session of his trial concerning aggravated human trafficking charges in the Tarija department, leading to an immediate arrest warrant.
Tarija's Departmental Court President, Luis Ortiz, confirmed the issuance of a new arrest order and a travel ban for Morales after he and a second defendant—identified as the mother of the alleged underage victim—neither appeared nor provided an explanation for their absence.
"Today's hearing on the human trafficking case involving former President Evo Morales and a female defendant resulted in them being declared fugitives again, as they did not show up nor justified their absence," stated Ortiz.
The trial has been postponed indefinitely and will only proceed once the accused are either apprehended or voluntarily appear in court.
The case prosecutor emphasized that it is the Police's duty to enforce the arrest warrant, noting that the Public Prosecutor's Office has fulfilled all procedural requirements.
Morales is accused of having a relationship with a minor named Cindy S.V.P., who was reportedly between 14 and 15 years old when their involvement began. Morales was approximately 57 years old at that time.
The alleged contact occurred through the "Youth Guard" or "Generation Evo," a group established during his presidency. A child was reportedly born from this relationship on February 8, 2016, with Juan Evo Morales Ayma listed as the father on the birth certificate.
Tarija's Public Prosecutor's Office has collected over 170 pieces of evidence to support the charges in the oral trial.
Magistrate Rossmery Ruiz clarified that a statement from the young woman, claiming there is no victim in the case, cannot be addressed until the trial begins: "Until the oral trial is set, no written statements can be resolved."
Morales’ defense, led by attorney Nelson Cox, argued that the former president did not attend because he was not properly notified and cited procedural irregularities.
This marks the second time Morales has been declared a fugitive in this case. In January 2025, a judge declared him a fugitive after he missed two precautionary hearings, citing illness, which led to travel restrictions, asset freezes, and property registration.
Since October 2024, when the first arrest order was issued, Morales has been holed up in the Tropic of Cochabamba. His supporters blocked roads for 24 days at that time to prevent his capture.
The former leader's political isolation has deepened recently: in March 2026, the Bolivian Senate voted with a more than two-thirds majority to remove his bust from the Legislative Palace in La Paz, a move that was executed on March 26.
The Attorney General, Roger Mariaca, was clear about the trial's status: "We are on the brink of an oral trial, and it will be the sentencing court that decides whether to acquit or convict this individual in the criminal process."
Key Questions About Evo Morales' Legal Troubles
What charges is Evo Morales facing?
Evo Morales is facing charges of aggravated human trafficking, related to an alleged relationship with a minor.
Why was Evo Morales declared a fugitive?
Morales was declared a fugitive after failing to appear at a court hearing without providing a valid justification for his absence.
What is the current status of Morales' trial?
The trial is currently suspended and will resume only if Morales is apprehended or voluntarily appears in court.
How has Morales' political situation changed recently?
Morales' political isolation has intensified, exemplified by the removal of his bust from the Legislative Palace in La Paz by the Bolivian Senate.