Bolivia’s vice president says he has audio of alleged talks on police changes involving first lady

Bolivia’s Vice President Edmand Lara says he will hand prosecutors an audio recording that allegedly captures the first lady discussing police changes with Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo.

Lara said during a news conference that the conversation concerned the possible removal of Mirko Sokol, the commander of the Bolivian Police. He played the recording for journalists and said it would form part of a complaint against Cerimedo and María Elena Urquidi.

“

You will be able to see the influence Fernando Cerimedo had in the state.

The vice president acknowledged that the voices had not been completely confirmed. He said he had spoken with the people involved repeatedly and believed the recording featured them. “From my point of view, yes, it is their voice,” Lara said. He asked prosecutors to conduct the examinations needed to establish whether the material is genuine.

“

From my point of view, yes, it is their voice.

Lara presented the recording on the same day Sokol announced his resignation, saying he had “completed a cycle.” The vice president connected the departure to the alleged negotiations and used the episode to argue that Cerimedo held influence inside the executive branch.

“You will be able to hear in the audio how he refers to cabinet ministers, how the first lady turns to Fernando Cerimedo so that he can influence her husband,” Lara said. He added that the consultant’s alleged influence was so extensive that the president’s wife could not persuade President Rodrigo Paz without his intervention. The matter remains under development.

“

You will be able to hear in the audio how he refers to cabinet ministers, how the first lady turns to Fernando Cerimedo so that he can influence her husband.