Bolivia has arrested a prominent advisor to several Latin American right-wing political leaders on suspicion of murder conspiracy.
Fernando Cerimedo, an Argentine citizen, was arrested on Tuesday at an airport in Bolivia while attempting to return home. He has worked on political campaigns for Argentine President Javier Milei, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz.
The arrest follows an attack on lawyer and political activist Nadia Beller. Security video shows Beller standing outside a hotel in Santa Cruz when two men disguised as delivery workers approach, shoot her at close range, take some of her belongings, and flee as she lies on the ground.
Beller, who is four weeks pregnant, said she believes she was targeted for opposing a series of unconstitutional bills under Decree 5503, which was prepared by Cerimedo and the government, and for witnessing high-level corruption. Decree 5503 introduces radical economic reforms, such as eliminating state fuel subsidies, targeting policies established under Bolivia's previous socialist government.
Beller is reported to have had a romantic relationship with Cerimedo. In a video from her hospital bed, she acknowledged the relationship and emphasized Cerimedo's significant political influence. She said she decided to speak out because she believes that "until I speak directly to the Bolivian people, they will complete what they intended to do. They will end my life."
Bolivian Vice President Edmundo Lara, at a press conference, called the attack a threat to "life, democracy, and freedom of speech" and called for an impartial investigation "without bias in any form."
