Evo Moves Within Chapare Under Heavy Union Security

 Evo Morales left Lauca Ñ on Saturday morning, heading to the municipality of Chimoré. The former president was heavily guarded by a union security team that escorted the coca growers’ leader with several motorcycles and vehicles. Morales participated in the year-end evaluation meeting of the six coca grower federations of the Cochabamba Tropics, where he showed his presence to his base following the announcement of his precautionary measures hearing scheduled for January 14, 2025. This hearing pertains to charges against him for the alleged aggravated crime of human trafficking.

The Kawsachun Coca radio station published images of Evo Morales departing Lauca Ñ for Chimoré. Morales rode in a maroon SUV, accompanied by several vehicles both ahead and behind him. On either side, the union security team organized itself, following the leader on motorcycles. Upon arriving at the event venue, Morales stepped out of the vehicle and was greeted with cheers from his supporters. Senators Andrónico Rodríguez and Leonardo Loza were also present.

"I want to alert the entire Cochabamba Tropics region and the union security stationed at the Kawsachun Coca radio facilities in Lauca Ñ. Some colleagues within the government and police have informed us that tonight (yesterday) or tomorrow (today), they might attempt to unjustly and irregularly detain Evo Morales," Senator Loza stated yesterday, adding that the former president’s union security was “quadrupled.”

This heightened security was evident today compared to other days. Morales was heavily guarded by the union security team that accompanies him to various locations in Chapare, an area that serves as his political stronghold and where he has remained due to an arrest warrant against him. "They would first have to detain the thousands of us who are part of the Cochabamba Tropics or kill those of us who live in this region. I emphasize and denounce that even police officers inform us through intelligence that they may attempt to unjustly detain brother Evo Morales," Loza said.

Through a judicial edict, Evo Morales has been summoned to attend his precautionary measures hearing scheduled for January 14, 2025. The hearing is part of the investigation into the crime of aggravated human trafficking in the Tarija department. According to the document, the hearing will take place in person at 9:30 a.m. at the Fifth Criminal, Anti-Corruption, and Violence Against Women Court in Tarija. Morales faces the warning of being declared in contempt if he does not appear.

The Tarija Prosecutor's Office has accused Morales of exploiting the “vulnerability” of a 14-year-old girl to “satisfy his sexual needs.” The victim was allegedly recruited as part of the Youth Guard, led by the then-president, reportedly with the consent of the adolescent’s parents.