Jhonny Fernández arrested in Santa Cruz for alleged embezzlement

Jhonny Fernández, the former mayor of Santa Cruz de la Sierra, has been arrested during a police operation at the Fundamax facilities. The arrest follows a judicial order issued after Fernández was declared in rebellion for failing to appear at a precautionary measures hearing.

The legal proceedings involve the alleged misappropriation of 191 million Bolivianos (Bs) intended for 17 municipal public works projects. Prosecutors are investigating whether these funds were mishandled or if the projects remained unfinished due to irregularities.

Fernández has denied the allegations, claiming through social media that he is facing political persecution and lacks sufficient legal guarantees to defend himself. His defense attorney, Samuel Durán, has also questioned the legality of the procedure and the conditions surrounding the hearing.