Bolivian authorities have arrested a prominent adviser to several right-wing political leaders in Latin America on suspicion of plotting a murder. Fernando Cerimedo was taken into custody on Tuesday following an attack on lawyer and political activist Nadia Beller. The consultant has worked on political campaigns for Argentina's President Javier Milei, former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, and Bolivia's President Rodrigo Paz.

The Argentine national was arrested at an airport in Bolivia while attempting to travel to his home country. His detention came after the assault on Beller in Santa Cruz.

Security footage captured Beller standing in front of a hotel when two men dressed as delivery drivers approached, shot her at close range, took some of her belongings, and left her lying on the ground.

Beller, who was four weeks pregnant, believes she was targeted for her opposition to a package of unconstitutional laws under Decree 5503, which were being prepared by Cerimedo and the government, and for witnessing high-level corruption.

Decree 5503 introduces radical economic reforms, such as eliminating state fuel subsidies, targeting policies implemented under Bolivia's former socialist government.

Beller is also understood to have had a romantic relationship with Cerimedo. She admitted to the relationship in a video appearance from her hospital bed and highlighted Cerimedo's significant political influence.

She said she decided to speak out because she believes that "until I speak directly to the Bolivian people, they are going to finish what they attempted to do. They are going to end up taking my life."

Bolivian Vice President Edmand Lara said the attack "threatens life, democracy, and freedom of expression" during a press conference where he called for an impartial investigation "without any kind of favoritism."

Source: www.aljazeera.com