The Minister of Government (Interior) of Bolivia, Eduardo del Castillo, affirmed this Sunday that the Law will be complied with in the event of receiving any request from Argentina, such as a migration alert, against former Bolivian president Evo Morales (2006-2019), against who already opened a process there for trafficking and abuse of minors when he was granted asylum during the 2019 crisis.
“That will have to be determined by the prosecutors, if there is an immigration alert and it reaches the General Directorate of Immigration, it will be the instance that must comply with what justice determines, just as the Police are complying with the laws, we will comply with the Law and the directions They are going to comply with the laws,” del Castillo said at a press conference.
The Minister of Security of Argentina, Patricia Bullrich, confirmed the day before the opening of the criminal investigation against Morales, after being denounced by the Bolivian businessman and former minister Branko Marinkovic.
“15 days ago we filed a complaint for alleged commission of crimes of human trafficking and sexual abuse,” Bullrich published on his X account.
The Bolivian Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating Morales since September 26 in a first case, after receiving an intelligence report in which it is stated that he had committed the crimes of human trafficking and statutory rape with a minor with whom he allegedly had a daughter in 2015, when he was still president.
This investigation is being carried out in the southern region of Tarija and the prosecutor in charge, Sandra Gutiérrez, said on Wednesday that she already has “material evidence” against the former president, although the announcement she made to issue an arrest warrant has not yet been executed.
“To the case for child abuse that is already open in Bolivia, something even more aberrant is added: the socialist former Bolivian president is accused of having lived with 4 teenagers during the political asylum that Kirchnerism gave him,” added the Argentine minister. in his publication.
“Morales, denounced. Crime on Argentine soil is paid for,” Bullrich said.
Aside from the process opened in Tarija, there are seven other complaints of abuse of minors against the former Bolivian president that Cochabamba authorities made known in October, which will be presented to the Prosecutor’s Office.
The investigation opened in Argentina is known when Morales’ followers have spent 21 days in a road blockade in the center of the country, to stop in court the process opened against the former president for statutory rape and human trafficking, among other demands.
La Paz / EFE
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**Interview with Eduardo del Castillo, Minister of Government of Bolivia**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Minister del Castillo. There have been recent developments regarding former President Evo Morales and legal actions initiated in Argentina. Can you clarify Bolivia’s position if Argentina sends a migration alert against Morales?
**Eduardo del Castillo:** Thank you for having me. As I mentioned in my recent press conference, Bolivia will fully comply with the law. If we receive any formal request from Argentina, such as a migration alert, we will act according to what the law requires. It’s essential that we respect judicial processes and the cooperation agreements between our countries.
**Interviewer:** There are allegations of trafficking and abuse of minors against Morales. What does this mean for Bolivia in terms of legal accountability for former leaders?
**Eduardo del Castillo:** The allegations are serious and must be handled with the utmost attention. Our legal system must conduct a thorough investigation. If Morales is found to be in violation of the law, the judicial authorities will determine the course of action. Bolivia has to ensure accountability for all its leaders, past and present.
**Interviewer:** The Argentine Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, mentioned the opening of a criminal investigation. How do you see this impacting regional relations between Bolivia and Argentina?
**Eduardo del Castillo:** It’s critical that both countries support each other in upholding the rule of law. While these developments can create tension, they also provide an opportunity for both nations to demonstrate their commitment to justice. We hope to maintain a constructive dialogue with Argentina, regardless of the challenges we face.
**Interviewer:** What is the message you want to convey to the Bolivian people regarding this situation?
**Eduardo del Castillo:** I want to assure the citizens of Bolivia that our government is committed to transparency and justice. We uphold the law for everyone, and no one is above it, including former presidents. We will navigate this situation carefully and will keep the populace informed as developments unfold.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Minister del Castillo, for your insights into this complex situation.
**Eduardo del Castillo:** Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important matters.
