A corruption scandal has shaken Paraguay's judiciary after leaked WhatsApp chats from an investigation into a deceased MP revealed a scheme of corruption and obstruction of justice involving a judge, two prosecutors, and another MP. On 3 February, the Prosecutor's Office announced an investigation into influence peddling and other offenses, based on data extracted from the late legislator Eulalio Gomes' cell phone. It also ordered an "administrative inquiry" into the implicated officials. The messages were discovered during an investigation of Gomes for money laundering and links to drug trafficking organizations, which ended with his death in a police raid last August. The discovered messages allegedly show how the officials used Gomes to facilitate favours and influence legal cases. Civil society organizations have condemned the investigation findings denouncing them as serious violations of judicial independence and transparency, demanding immediate action and accountability.

Sources: Ultima Hora, Swiss Info, Coordinadora de Derechos Humanos del Paraguay

On 15 November, President Santiago Peña enacted a law to regulate the work of non-profit organizations (NGOs). The law requires NGOs to register in a national database, disclose financial details, submit biannual reports and other information upon request, and list their partners, under risk of fines or suspension. Despite amendments during the legislative process, critics argue the law imposes excessive controls on an already efficient system, potentially straining smaller organizations. Criticisms highlight that the law was passed without civil society's participation and has vague and broad provisions that could be used to arbitrarily dissolve or restrict NGOs that are critical of the government. Press freedom groups caution that the law could particularly impact independent media, many of which operate as NGOs, by requiring disclosure of sensitive information and hindering public interest investigations. The government claims it will boost transparency and address concerns about money laundering and foreign influence in NGOs.

Sources: International IDEA, Amnesty International, The Guardian, ABC Paraguay (1), New York City Bar, Committee to Protect Journalists, Swiss Info, ABC Paraguay (2)

On 8 July, the Senate passed a bill whose stated objective is to control and set transparency and accountability standards for nonprofit organizations that receive or manage public or private funds. It requires all non-governmental organizations (NGO) to register in a national registry and document how they use their funds. NGOs will have to submit biannual reports to authorities, or risk financial penalties and the disqualification of their staff from working in civil society. Experts warn that the bill’s provisions are contrary to Paraguay’s human rights obligations and are vague and broad, which could enable the government to arbitrarily and discretionally restrict or even dissolve NGOs, as well as control their content and operations. Additionally, the reporting procedures established in the bill could overly burden grassroots and other smaller organizations. The bill has been sent to the lower chamber to be studied and discussed.

Sources: Amnesty International, Camara de Senadores Paraguay, OHCHR, ABC

Opposition senator, Kattya Gonzalez of the National Meeting Party was expelled from Congress and dismissed from her office due to allegations of misusing her position as a public official to unduly influence. Critics accuse the Senate of irregularities during the proceedings against her and have expressed concern over the weakening of opposition presence in Congress, where the ruling Colorado Party holds a majority. Gonzalez has stated she will appeal the decision, which she decried as fraudulent, and among critics of the ruling party is understood to be motivated by her denunciation of corruption and nepotism within the Colorado Party. 

Sources: CELAG, Cable News Network, The Guardian