Argentinian far-right political strategist Fernando Cerimedo. File photo.
Lawyer Jerjes Justiniano revealed new evidence against Fernando Cerimedo in the case of attempted femicide. Cerimedo is the co-founder of the right-wing mainstream media outlet La Derecha Diario, a former political advisor to Argentinian President Javier Milei, and a current advisor to Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz. A forensic analysis of the far-right strategist’s cellphone uncovered messages in which he explicitly coordinated the attack against his ex-partner, lawyer Nadia Beller, which took place on August 17 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
Anoche, la abogada y activista boliviana Nadia Beller fue atacada por 2 sicarios que le pegaron 3 tiros a quemarropa.
Hoy, en el aeropuerto de Viru Viru, detuvieron a su ex pareja @FerCerimedo_ok, sospechado de ser el autor intelectual. pic.twitter.com/eUksT4nMPJ
— Javier Smaldone (@mis2centavos) August 18, 2026
“He has conversations with other people in which he says that Nadia has gone too far and that she clearly needs to be eliminated,” Justiniano told the press, asserting that these messages prove Cerimedo’s role as the mastermind behind the attempted femicide.
The forensic analysis revealed warnings that Cerimedo had sent to the victim. “You are going to get us all in trouble—do not do this; wait a few days,” read a text addressed to Beller. This evidence aligns with the victim’s statement from the hospital, where she confirmed that she planned to expose a corruption network. Cerimedo demanded that she delay making the public accusation until the former Bolivian President Evo Morales was imprisoned.
The investigation found that Cerimedo used a communication method based on “message notes.” Forensic analysis also confirmed that Cerimedo was fully aware of Beller’s pregnancy at the time of the attack. “Cerimedo has an interest in eliminating her. All these elements demonstrate that he played an essential role in the incident,” Justiniano stated.
This evidence is part of the investigation being conducted by the Bolivian Attorney General’s Office, although the first court hearing scheduled for Thursday, August 20, was canceled for unspecified reasons. The political strategist remains in police custody.
The background: extortion and drug trafficking networks
The attempted femicide of Nadia Beller is directly related to the corruption allegations that she had planned to make public. Beller formally accused Cerimedo of operating extortion rings associated with Bolivian President Rodrigo Paz’s inner circle.
Among the complaints raised by the lawyer is the granting of takeoff permits for small planes linked to drug trafficking, primarily in the eastern part of Bolivia. According to the complaint, Cerimedo attempted to hide the incident from Beller by claiming it was a radar-tracking strategy.
Beller also accused the Bolivian first lady of collecting illegal commissions and unlawful intermediation in the international supply and sale of fuels such as diesel and gasoline.
Milei Advisor Fernando Cerimedo Arrested on Suspicion of Ordering Ex-Partner’s Assassination
In addition to the events related to the attack, Beller has expanded her accusations in media outlets such as DTV and Radio Rivadavia. She claimed that Cerimedo was responsible for leaking audio recordings about alleged bribes at Argentina’s National Disability Agency (ANDIS) to destabilize the Argentinian government, implicating key figures such as Javier Milei’s sister, Karina Milei, and the former head of ANDIS, Diego Spagnuolo.
Beller stated that the attack on her was not an isolated incident, but rather the culmination of a history of physical and psychological violence. The lawyer, who claims to know the identities of those who carried out the attack, asserted that Cerimedo ordered the attempt on her life to prevent previous episodes of abuse—including an attempted hanging that occurred in April—from coming to light.
Bolivian presidential spokesperson José Luis Gálvez rejected Beller’s accusations, calling them “reckless,” and demanding that she present evidence. Following this official response, Beller has become the target of a massive smear and defamation campaign on social media and in media outlets aligned with the Bolivian government.
(Telesur)
Translation: Orinoco Tribune
OT/SC/SF
