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Bolivia Arrests Political Consultant Fernando Cerimedo Over Attempted Murder of Activist
Just the facts
On August 18, 2026, Bolivian authorities took Fernando Cerimedo into custody at an airport while he attempted to travel home to Argentina. Cerimedo, a political consultant who worked on campaigns for Argentine President Javier Milei, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz, is suspected of plotting an attack on lawyer and activist Nadia Beller. Beller survived after two assailants disguised as delivery drivers shot her at close range outside a hotel in Santa Cruz. Speaking from her hospital bed, Beller stated she was targeted due to her public opposition to Decree 5503, a set of economic reforms ending state fuel subsidies that Cerimedo helped draft for the government. Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara called for an impartial investigation into the shooting, describing the assault as a threat to democracy and freedom of expression.
Why this is news
Bolivian law enforcement officers arrested Argentinian political consultant Fernando Cerimedo at an airport as he attempted to depart the country following an attack on political activist Nadia Beller. Police detained Cerimedo in connection with an investigation into the shooting of Beller outside a hotel in Santa Cruz, Bolivia.
Sources
This summary is compiled strictly from the original reporting below.