Adviser to far-right Latin American leaders arrested
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The gist
Bolivia arrested adviser Fernando Cerimedo on suspicion of plotting a murder.
The arrest highlights political tensions and violence against activists in Latin America.
Background
Fernando Cerimedo, a political consultant who has worked for Argentina's President Javier Milei, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz, was arrested in Bolivia on Tuesday. The arrest follows an attack on lawyer and activist Nadia Beller, who was shot three times at a hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Beller says she was targeted for her opposition to conservative reforms and corruption. The case has drawn attention due to Cerimedo's high-profile connections and the political context in Bolivia, where President Paz ended 20 years of socialist rule.
How it unfolded
- Aug 17, 2026Nadia Beller, a 33-year-old lawyer and activist, was shot three times at a hotel in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, by gunmen posing as delivery drivers.
- Aug 18, 2026Fernando Cerimedo was arrested at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz while attempting to board a flight to Buenos Aires. Police said they were investigating his possible involvement in the shooting.
- Aug 18, 2026Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara called the attack a threat to life, democracy, and freedom of expression, and called for an impartial investigation.
Who’s saying what
- Police
- Santa Cruz Police Commander David Gómez said they are working with several hypotheses, the first being that Beller had a romantic problem with Cerimedo.
- Official
- Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara said the attack threatens life, democracy, and freedom of expression and called for an impartial investigation without favoritism.
Still unverified
The allegation that Cerimedo masterminded the attempted murder is based on police suspicion and has not been proven in court. Beller's claim that she was targeted for her opposition to reforms is her account and has not been independently verified.