Bolivian prosecutors to seek 180 days pre-trial detention for Argentine Cerimedo in attempted murder case

Bolivian prosecutors announced they will seek 180 days of pre-trial detention for Argentine national Fernando Cerimedo, who was arrested in connection with an armed attack on his ex-partner in Santa Cruz. Cerimedo is the primary suspect in the attempted femicide of lawyer Nadia Beller, who survived the Monday attack.

Santa Cruz departmental prosecutor Alberto Zeballos stated that prosecutors would formalize the charges within 24 hours, after which a judge will decide on the detention request. Beller has provided her testimony, while Cerimedo has refused to declare. Investigators have collected security camera footage and other evidence.

Cerimedo, previously an advisor to Argentine President Javier Milei, faces accusations of attempted femicide. The attack occurred outside a hotel in Santa Cruz, where two individuals disguised as food delivery workers approached Beller. One assailant shot her multiple times while the other stole her belongings, according to police and prosecution reports.

Cerimedo was apprehended early Tuesday at Viru Viru International Airport in Santa Cruz. Beller has alleged a cover-up by Bolivian police and requested that the investigation not be sealed. The case has drawn attention to Cerimedo's alleged ties to Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz. Detractors claim Cerimedo was Paz's "personal advisor," a relationship the government disputes. Presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez clarified that Cerimedo was a "close collaborator" during Paz's 2025 election campaign and assisted with specific communication matters, but was not part of the state structure.