Prosecutor seeks six-month jail term for Fernando Cerimedo in illicit enrichment case

Fernando Cerimedo, currently incarcerated at Palmasola prison for a separate legal process, is set to appear in a virtual hearing this Saturday. The prosecution aims to secure a six-month pre-trial detention for him as part of an investigation into illicit enrichment that has impacted the state.

State Prosecutor General Róger Mariaca confirmed the hearing was postponed from Friday to Saturday at 9:30 AM due to circumstances not attributable to the Public Ministry. The prosecution has already filed formal charges against Cerimedo and requested his preventive detention for six months. This follows his informative statement at Palmasola, where a fiscal commission notified him of the arrest warrant.

Mariaca detailed that prosecutors conducted various investigative steps in La Paz and traveled to Palmasola to serve Cerimedo with the arrest resolution. Afterward, the Argentine national provided his statement accompanied by two defense lawyers. Following this, the Public Ministry submitted the formal indictment to the relevant preliminary hearing court.

Cerimedo's defense, however, has questioned the procedure, asserting that the origin of the funds under investigation was not thoroughly explored during the statement. They maintain that the accused possesses documentation to justify his assets. The prosecution holds a different view, believing there are elements that warrant consideration during the preliminary hearing.

The investigation has already resulted in two individuals being placed under precautionary measures: a former military officer, Fritz Junior G. A., who is in preventive detention at San Pedro prison, and his partner, Claudia Inés L. C., who is under house arrest. Saturday's hearing will decide whether Cerimedo will also be subjected to a personal precautionary measure in this case. This new legal action is in addition to other cases Cerimedo faces in Bolivia, including the investigation into an armed attack against Nadia Beller, for which he is already in preventive detention at Palmasola. Cerimedo has denied the accusations, and his defense insists they will continue to present evidence of his innocence.