ON
← Back to feed
Bolivian justice orders second preventive detention against Argentine Fernando Cerimedo
CL🏛️ PoliticsCenteryesterday

Bolivian justice orders second preventive detention against Argentine Fernando Cerimedo

A Bolivian court ordered a second preventive detention for Argentine political advisor Fernando Cerimedo, this time for alleged illicit enrichment. He was already detained for a suspected attempted femicide against his former partner, Nadia Beller. During a six-hour virtual hearing, Judge Douglas Borda mandated six months of detention at the maximum-security prison in Chonchocoro, La Paz, though it remains unclear which case takes precedence if a transfer occurs. Cerimedo’s lawyer argued that prosecutors failed to prove his client harmed the state and warned that moving him could endanger his life. Cerimedo denied the allegations, claiming they are based on social media posts by his ex-partner and stated he has brought money into Bolivia rather than taken it. The case connects Cerimedo to Chilean opposition figures and current Communications Secretary Felipe Costabal, who previously had ties to Cerimedo during the 2020 constitutional referendum campaign. However, Chilean authorities have denied any connection between the Kast administration and Cerimedo.

A man has been arrested in Laja, Chile, over the alleged murder of his 25-year-old girlfriend, following forensic evidence contradicting his initial account of the incident. The case is being investigated by the Biobío Regional Prosecutor’s Office, which has confirmed the death was classified as a femicide after police examinations ruled out the suspect's claim that the victim had committed suicide. The suspect, a 21-year-old man, was detained during investigations initiated late Friday after authorities became aware of the woman’s death. The investigation began with the arrival of the head prosecutor for Yumbel, Jorge Sandoval, and detectives from the Homicide Brigade alongside criminalistics experts. According to Subprefect Jair Bravo, head of the Los Ángeles unit, the process started after the body was found in the afternoon of the previous day in Laja. Initial reports indicated that the suspect claimed the woman had shot herself using a firearm kept in their home. He stated he had gone downstairs to retrieve something and upon returning found her injured. However, forensic analysis conducted by specialized police units revealed inconsistencies with this narrative. Prosecutors have since determined that the death was not a suicide but a femicide, citing findings from the crime scene and other physical evidence. As a result, the suspect will appear before the Laja Guarantee Court on Saturday charged with femicide and violations of the Firearms Law. The prosecution has requested an extension of his detention due to pending procedures such as the victim’s autopsy and further investigative measures aimed at clarifying the exact circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities noted there were prior records linking the accused to the crimes under investigation, though the case remains in its early stages. In another development, a Bolivian court ordered a second preventive detention for Argentine political advisor Fernando Cerimedo, who faces charges of alleged illicit enrichment. This follows an extended virtual hearing lasting approximately six hours, during which Judge Douglas Borda mandated six months of detention at the maximum security prison in Chonchocoro, located in the highlands of La Paz. The ruling did not clarify whether one charge takes precedence over the other in terms of potential relocation. Cerimedo’s defense attorney, Ernesto Giraldes, argued that prosecutors failed to prove how his client affected the state and expressed concern for his safety should he be moved to another facility. During the hearing, Cerimedo denied the allegations related to illicit enrichment, calling them baseless and rooted in social media posts made by his former partner, Nadia Beller, a lawyer and political operator. He asserted that he had neither received nor extracted money from the Bolivian state, emphasizing instead that he had brought funds into the country. Since his arrest on August 18 over the attempted murder of Beller, Cerimedo has been linked to various political figures, including leaders from right-wing movements across Latin America. Recent connections have also emerged between him and Felipe Costabal, currently serving as director of Communications for the government of José Antonio Kast. Costabal acknowledged past interactions with Cerimedo more than five years ago but denied having any recent ties or communications with him. Opposition figures in Chile have called for clarification regarding these connections, which were categorically denied by Interior Undersecretary Máximo Pavez. He dismissed any association between the Kast administration and Cerimedo, known colloquially as the “king of trolls.” The situation involving Cerimedo highlights ongoing legal challenges faced by individuals connected to political circles in South America. Meanwhile, back in Chile, the investigation into the femicide continues, with prosecutors preparing to seek an extension of the suspect’s detention while awaiting additional forensic results. The case underscores the importance of thorough forensic examination in determining the true nature of deaths initially attributed to self-inflicted causes.

Go to the primary sources (3)

The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.

6 reports

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 752 days ago
Man arrested for femicide in Laja: Prosecutor will ask to extend detention

A 25-year-old woman was found dead inside her home in Laja, Chile, prompting the Prosecutor’s Office to classify the death as a femicide. The initial report by her 21-year-old partner claimed she had shot herself, but forensic investigations conducted by police specialists refuted this version. The case was taken up by the Prosecutor of Yumbel, who confirmed evidence points to intentional homicide rather than suicide. The suspect has been detained and will appear before the Local Guarantee Court on Saturday, facing charges of femicide and violation of firearm laws. The Prosecutor’s Office plans to request an extension of his detention due to pending forensic tests and further investigation into the circumstances of the victim’s death.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a criminal investigation without overt ideological slant. It reports on the legal process, forensic findings, and procedural steps taken by authorities without emphasizing political agendas or taking sides in the broader societal debate around gender-based暴力

Why factuality (85): The article provides specific details such as the victim’s age (25 years), the suspect’s age (21 years), the location (Laja commune), and the involvement of the Fiscalía and police investigators. These facts align with the general consensus found in other articles covering the same event. However, s

Why objectivity (75): The article presents the information in a largely neutral manner, reporting the findings of the investigation without overt bias. However, phrases like 'femicidio' and the emphasis on the suspect’s initial false statement may subtly imply guilt, potentially influencing reader perception.

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 702 days ago
Pavez dismisses any relationship of the government with Cerimedo: There is no link that we can recognize and explain

The interior undersecretary, Máximo Pavez, denied any connection between the Chilean government and Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo, who is accused of attempted murder and investigated for illicit enrichment and alleged ties to drug trafficking. This comes after Cerimedo was linked to Felipe Costabal, head of the Communications Secretariat (Secom), due to their shared involvement in the 'Rejection' campaign during the 2020 constitutional referendum. Costabal admitted to having contacts with Cerimedo over five years ago but claimed there were no further connections afterward. Opposition figures have called for clarification regarding any potential ties between Cerimedo and the government during the early months of President José Antonio Kast’s administration. Cerimedo, known as the 'king of trolls,' is currently imprisoned in Bolivia.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the denial by government officials and mentions opposition demands for clarification, without evident bias toward either side. It includes direct quotes from both Pavez and Costabal, providing multiple perspectives without overtly favoring one.

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed quotes from Subsecretary Pavez directly denying any link between the government and Cerimedo, and includes context about previous contacts between Cerimedo and Costabal. These statements are consistent with the cross-source consensus and are presented without embellishm

Why objectivity (70): While the article is largely factual, it leans slightly toward the government's perspective by emphasizing the denial and quoting officials extensively. There is minimal effort to present alternative viewpoints or contextualize the broader implications of Cerimedo’s activities.

BioBioChile logoBioBioChileIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 652 days ago
Kast government rules out ties with Fernando Cerimedo, "King of the trolls": "There is no link whatsoever"

The Chilean government under President José Antonio Kast has denied any connection with Fernando Cerimedo, known as 'Rey de los trolls' (King of the Trolls), stating there is 'no link at all.' The statement comes amid speculation about potential ties between Cerimedo, a controversial online figure known for spreading misinformation, and government officials. While the government asserts there is no relationship, critics argue that such denials could be part of broader efforts to distance authorities from individuals associated with disinformation campaigns. The issue highlights ongoing concerns about the influence of online actors on political discourse in Chile.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the government's denial without overtly criticizing or praising the stance. It reports the official position but does not frame the issue in a clearly left or right-leaning manner. The tone remains neutral, focusing on the factual claim rather than taking a partisan perspective.

Why factuality (75): The article reports that the government under President Kast has denied any links with Fernando Cerimedo, citing 'no vínculo alguno.' This aligns with the cross-source consensus from other articles where officials like Máximo Pavez also deny such connections. However, the article does not provide di

Why objectivity (65): The tone is somewhat defensive, as it presents the government's denial without providing counterpoints or additional perspectives. The language suggests a position rather than neutrality, especially when describing Cerimedo as 'Rey de los trolls,' which may carry a negative connotation.

CIPER Chile logoCIPER ChileIndependentProgressiveyesterday
Bot farms and the far right

The article discusses the case of Fernando Cerimedo, a Bolivian figure linked to disinformation campaigns, and connects it to the potential extreme-right orientation of Chile's President José Antonio Kast. It argues that Cerimedo's bot farm, discovered during a police raid in Bolivia, represents part of a broader strategy using misinformation and social media manipulation. The author suggests that Kast's government aligns with the legacy of Augusto Pinochet and has adopted modern tools like internet-based disinformation to gain power. The piece highlights connections between Cerimedo and figures such as Rodrigo Paz in Bolivia, Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil, and the Chilean opposition candidate Evelyn Matthei, who raised concerns about possible ties between Kast's campaign and Cerimedo's operations.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the actions of the Chilean government and associated figures as aligned with 'extreme right' ideologies, while emphasizing the use of disinformation and digital manipulation by right-wing actors. It portrays Kast's policies, such as constitutional reforms and cuts to social science

La Tercera logoLa TerceraIndependent🔒Centeryesterday
Bolivian justice orders second preventive detention against Argentine Fernando Cerimedo

A Bolivian court ordered a second preventive detention for Argentine political advisor Fernando Cerimedo, this time for alleged illicit enrichment. He was already detained for a suspected attempted femicide against his former partner, Nadia Beller. During a six-hour virtual hearing, Judge Douglas Borda mandated six months of detention at the maximum-security prison in Chonchocoro, La Paz, though it remains unclear which case takes precedence if a transfer occurs. Cerimedo’s lawyer argued that prosecutors failed to prove his client harmed the state and warned that moving him could endanger his life. Cerimedo denied the allegations, claiming they are based on social media posts by his ex-partner and stated he has brought money into Bolivia rather than taken it. The case connects Cerimedo to Chilean opposition figures and current Communications Secretary Felipe Costabal, who previously had ties to Cerimedo during the 2020 constitutional referendum campaign. However, Chilean authorities have denied any connection between the Kast administration and Cerimedo.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the charges against Cerimedo and his defense without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both the prosecution and defense, providing balanced perspectives on the legal proceedings and the broader political connections. There is no evident editorial化

BioBioChile logoBioBioChileIndependentCenter2 days ago
Findings contradicted his version: young man arrested for femicide of his partner in Laja

A young man has been arrested in Laja, Chile, after findings contradicted his account of events, leading to his detention on charges of femicide related to his partner's death. The case highlights discrepancies between the suspect's initial statement and evidence uncovered during the investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the victim's death, which has raised concerns about domestic violence and justice in the region. The arrest underscores the importance of forensic investigations in resolving cases where initial narratives do not align with physical evidence.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a criminal case involving femicide, focusing on the contradiction between the suspect's version of events and the evidence. There is no overt ideological framing, and the report appears to present the facts neutrally without apparent bias toward either the accused or the legal

How each side covered it

The same event, grouped by the political lean of the outlets covering it.

How each side covered it

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Covered around the world

The same event as reported in other countries.

Covered around the world

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Claims check

Key factual claims, and how many sources assert vs dispute each.

Claims check

Support independent, bias-aware news and unlock the social pulse, community voting, and every other Supporter feature.

Become a Supporter

Keep the news honest.

ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.

Become a Supporter

Related stories