On February 3, 2025 new evidence was revealed showing the depth of corruption and organized crime infiltration in several public institutions in Paraguay. The evidence, derived from Whatsapp messages retrieved from the phone of Deputy Elulalio Gomes, who was accused of money laundering linked to drug trafficking and recently gunned down in a prosecutor-police operation, shows alleged bribery and corruption schemes involving several public servants. The evidence has since been passed on to the Public Prosecutor’s Office with the Attorney General still deciding whether to open an investigation. Meanwhile, a summit of powers, convened by President Santiago Peña, is scheduled for later this month to address these corruption issues. The alleged corruption network predominantly affects the Jury for the Trial of Magistrates, the body responsible for the trial and removal of Judges, Members of Courts, Prosecutors and Public Defenders.
The revelation provides evidence of the infiltration of organized crime in the judiciary and has triggered several sectors of the public to speak out. Dozens of CSOs have expressed their concern because “justice continues to be used as an instrument of political negotiation, and not as a pillar of guarantee for the citizenry”, which puts “at risk the physical and legal security of all Paraguayans.” Similar claims were made by the Trade Union Board; UIP, FEPRINCO, ASOBAN, industry, commerce and banking unions; Cardinal Adalberto Martínez; the Executives Club; and the Importers’ Center, among others. The recent revelations have thus sparked a broad public demand for more transparency and accountability in the government coming not only from organized civil society but a variety of actors, including the business sector. It has placed central issues of the Rule of Law, such as legal security, separation of powers or equality before the law, on the citizens’ agenda – issues which previously have not been discussed to this extent as citizens are largely disillusioned with democracy and show the highest support for autocratic forms of government in Latin America. The public debate on this constitutes a visible alert of the degradation of the justice system in Paraguay, generating a movement that seeks greater participation and a greater responsiveness of the government.