Cerimedo's defence challenges expansion of charges and considers espionage complaint in La Paz
Lawyer Ramiro Vega is preparing a motion to annul the expansion of charges against Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo, held at Chonchocoro prison.
Cerimedo's defence rejects new charges and points to possible communications surveillance
Lawyer Ramiro Vega announced legal action to challenge the expansion of the investigation against Argentine consultant Fernando Cerimedo, according to El Deber. Cerimedo is in preventive detention at Chonchocoro prison in La Paz, on a case involving alleged illicit enrichment with harm to the State.
The Public Prosecutor's Office added new charges to the case: usurpation of duties and money laundering, among others. State Attorney General Roger Mariaca confirmed that the investigation, initially opened for illicit enrichment, was extended to cover those additional criminal acts.
Vega contends that the expansion lacks legal support. "What the Prosecutor's Office has done is expand the charges, since it no longer has support under that criminal statute, it has expanded it to other crimes, but based on the same facts, and that is illegal," the lawyer said.
According to his interpretation, an expansion of charges is only permissible when new evidence is discovered after the original accusation. "One can expand a charge when there is new discovery after the initial imputation," he stated. Since that condition has not been met, the defence will file a motion before the judicial authority to review the legality of the measure.
Vega also challenged the original charge of illicit enrichment. He argued that during the hearing there was no demonstration of an economic link between Cerimedo and the Government. "There is no indication of illicit enrichment. Why? Because there is no indication of any economic relationship with the Government," he declared.
Surprise transfer to Chonchocoro
Vega also criticised the transfer of his client from Palmasola prison in Santa Cruz to Chonchocoro, which took place on Tuesday. According to the lawyer, the measure was carried out without warning and Cerimedo remains in an isolation area while prison authorities determine his permanent location within the facility.
Regarding his client's state of mind, Vega stated: "I have seen him, at least when I feel strength to fight against all this." The defence also notes that questions remain about the execution of the two preventive detention orders against Cerimedo, issued in separate proceedings.
Possible complaint regarding communications surveillance
The legal team is also analysing the filing of a complaint related to alleged communications surveillance linked to Vice President Edmand Lara. Vega clarified that they are still evaluating the submission of the document and that it will be made public once formally presented to the appropriate authorities.
The lawyer questioned whether information derived from private communications could be used or disclosed, and warned that, if surveillance is proven, it could be a serious matter. "I do not know if espionage, but there is an attitude of illicit covering-up," he said.
The defence will also analyse the possible legal responsibility of those who may have conducted or disseminated such information.
On a personal level, Vega expressed concern about the public involvement of Vice President Lara in matters related to the case and maintained that decisions on security and transfers should be the responsibility of the competent authorities. These statements represent the position of the defence and do not constitute a formal accusation or judicial finding against the Vice President.
Next steps
While the defence prepares its motions, Cerimedo remains held at Chonchocoro and faces the expanded investigation in La Paz. Vega declined to reveal the complete strategy of the legal team and indicated that new motions will be presented to the appropriate authorities once finalised.
Source: El Deber