Two newly detained men testify in the case over the shooting of the Bolivian lawyer

Two men were present in Santa Cruz de la Sierra to testify on Sunday in the case concerning the shooting of Bolivian lawyer Nadia Beller. One of the detainees is suspected of supplying the weapon utilized in the ambush, while the other - a Colombian national - confessed to authorities after realizing he was a target.

The self-proclaimed gunman, when speaking with prosecutors, proclaimed his innocence, stating, "They say I am the hitman, but I know nothing. I am handing myself in because I know nothing about this." He vehemently denied any knowledge of the primary suspect in the case and claimed to have proof he was at his residence during the incident.

The primary suspect in this investigation is Argentine political consultant Fernando Cerimedo, Beller's former partner. Prosecutors allege he ordered the attack. On Friday, Judge Wilson Espada imposed 180 days of pre-trial detention for an attempted femicide charge and ordered Cerimedo's transfer to Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz, although prosecutors requested maximum-security status at Chonchocoro.

Ceremedo adamantly denied ordering the attack, branding the ruling "madness" and through his legal team, claimed the case had tarnished his career. He submitted two motions during the hearing - one challenging procedural deficiencies and another seeking to invalidate forensic examination of his phone - both dismissed by the judge. Ceremedo remains unconvicted.

Prosecutors Yolanda Aguilera Lijerón and Herlan Rodríguez Cuevas tied the attack to Beller's four-week pregnancy, as indicated in a medical report, and to a history of gender-based violence. Beller was shot three times outside a Santa Cruz hotel on August 10 and spent five days in the hospital. She was released on Saturday and left the clinic in a wheelchair under police escort. She participated in the hearing via video link.

Post-hospitalization, Beller stated the assault constituted a "state crime" and reported a man seen near the hotel attempted to enter her room while claiming to be a police officer, though she received no official response to his identity. Authorities have not addressed this account, which lacks independent verification.

Ceremedo co-founded the website La Derecha Diario and participated in the communications strategy for Javier Milei's 2023 presidential campaign. He also advised Rodrigo Paz's campaign in Bolivia. Prosecutors in La Paz have launched an investigation into alleged illicit enrichment after seizing cash and computer equipment from properties linked to him.