LA PAZ, May 01, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - A Bolivian judge on Wednesday rescinded a warrant issued for the arrest of ex-president Evo Morales on human trafficking charges stemming from his alleged relationship with a teenage girl while in office.

The ruling came as Bolivia's first Indigenous president plans to formally launch a bid for a fourth term, despite being barred from running again.

Morales had been a wanted man since October when prosecutors issued a warrant for his arrest over his alleged relationship with a 15-year-old in 2015.

Prosecutors say Morales fathered a daughter with the girl a year later and that her parents consented to the relationship in return for favors from Morales.

The 65-year-old former coca grower, president of Bolivia from 2006 to 2019, denies the allegations.

He has accused his former ally-turned-rival President Luis Arce of hounding him through the courts to try and bar his return to power.