The case started to unravel when a younger girl from Tarija, recognized by the initials ESNV, accused Morales of rape and sexual abuse, claiming the incidents occurred when she was nonetheless a minor. In keeping with the investigation, she turned pregnant on the age of 15, with Morales allegedly being the daddy. This declare is backed by paperwork from the Prosecutor’s Workplace, together with the beginning certificates of the sufferer’s baby, which lists Morales as the daddy.
Nonetheless, this statutory rape allegation shouldn’t be the one case wherein Morales is implicated. The investigation suggests he led a community of kid trafficking, allegedly consolidated by means of the “Presidential Youth Guard,” an entity comprised of youngsters, predominantly between the ages of 14 and 15, who have been recruited to serve Morales. Cindy, the younger girl who filed the criticism, was a member of this group.
A key component of the investigation is the beginning certificates of the sufferer’s daughter, issued in 2018 however displaying a birthdate from 2016, when the mom was simply 15 years outdated. The leaked doc confirms what had been rumored for years: a secret relationship between Morales and a teen throughout his presidency.
Though the connection was saved hidden, in 2020, worldwide media started investigating allegations of a trafficking community tied to Morales. In keeping with testimonies, mother and father of youngsters recruited into the presidential guard have been allegedly compensated financially in change for handing their daughters over to the previous president.
On September 26, 2024, the Tarija Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Morales on fees of human trafficking, smuggling, and statutory rape. Nonetheless, inside hours, the prosecutor main the case was abruptly dismissed, elevating considerations of a high-level cover-up operation aimed toward defending the ex-president. The prosecutor sustains this was politically motivated.
The case is now steeped in suspicions of corruption and political interference. The prosecutor’s dismissal has been interpreted as an try by Bolivia’s authorities to bury the investigation. Regardless of a number of victims coming ahead and tangible proof, progress has been gradual, with state-controlled media downplaying the allegations.
Morales, utilizing his appreciable affect, has allegedly manipulated the judicial system to stifle any efforts to research him. The kid trafficking community is believed to have thrived underneath the safety of this energy construction, with youngsters from impoverished rural areas being recruited and promised scholarships or monetary rewards for his or her households in change for his or her participation within the presidential guard.
Bolivian Minister of Authorities, Eduardo Del Castillo, revealed that Cindy’s case could also be only the start. In keeping with investigators, extra ladies are stepping ahead, alleging abuse by Morales and his inside circle throughout their teenage years, with many victims being underneath the age of 14.
The allegations towards Morales add to a broader narrative of corruption, abuse of energy, and manipulation of Bolivia’s judicial system. As extra victims achieve the braveness to talk out, extra revelations may floor, additional implicating Morales and intensifying his authorized troubles.
This case underscores the fragility of judicial programs in international locations the place political energy is used to guard pigs on the prime of the federal government. Regardless of the proof offered, many people wonder if justice will actually prevail or whether or not, as has occurred prior to now, the case will likely be buried underneath a cloak of impunity.
Authentic by Joana Campos.
María Herrera Mellado es una abogada de EE.UU. y licenciada en España. Doctora en Ciencias Jurídicas y Analista política. La Dra. Herrera es conocida por su amplia experiencia en análisis y consultas en el diseño de políticas públicas, propuestas de ley y gestión en relaciones internacionales.
Su reconocimiento proviene de sus contribuciones al análisis y representación authorized de diversas organizaciones, empresas e individuos que han visto abusados sus derechos humanos, su privacidad o en la inclusión de políticas efectivas fundamentalmente en el ámbito de la transparencia y la rendición de cuentas, así como la lucha contra la corrupción.
Su formación académica y experiencias profesionales la convierten en una voz respetada en el debate público y en el análisis de temas de actualidad sobre todo en los desafíos políticos y legales contemporáneos.
María Herrera Mellado is a U.S.-based legal professional additionally licensed in Spain. She holds a PhD in Authorized Sciences and is named a media authorized and coverage analyst.
Dr. Herrera is acknowledged for her in depth expertise in analyzing and consulting on public coverage design, legislative proposals, and worldwide relations administration.
Her recognition stems from her contributions to the evaluation and authorized illustration of assorted organizations, corporations, and people whose human rights or privateness have been violated, or who’ve benefited from the inclusion of efficient insurance policies, primarily within the areas of transparency, accountability, and the struggle towards corruption.
Her tutorial background {and professional} expertise make her a revered voice in public debate and within the evaluation of present points, notably in modern political and authorized challenges.
