Prominent Right-Wing Political Adviser Arrested in Bolivia Over Alleged Assassination Plot

Fernando Cerimedo, a prominent political consultant who has worked on campaigns for Argentina's President Javier Milei, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz, was arrested in Bolivia on suspicion of plotting a murder.

The arrest took place on Tuesday at an airport as the Argentinian national attempted to travel back to his home country. The detention follows a violent attack on lawyer and political activist Nadia Beller.

Security footage captured Beller standing outside a hotel in Santa Cruz when two men disguised as delivery drivers approached, shot her at close range, and stole some of her belongings before fleeing. Beller, who was four weeks pregnant, survived the attack and believes she was targeted due to her opposition to unconstitutional laws under Decree 5503—which were being prepared by Cerimedo and the government—as well as for witnessing high-level corruption.

Decree 5503 implements radical economic reforms, including the elimination of state fuel subsidies enacted under Bolivia’s former socialist government. Beller also acknowledged having a romantic relationship with Cerimedo in a video statement from her hospital bed, emphasizing his extensive political influence and stating her fear that attempts on her life would continue unless she spoke out publicly.

Addressing reporters in a news conference, Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara condemned the attack as a threat to life, democracy, and freedom of expression, calling for a transparent and impartial investigation.