Mobilization to Support Justice in Femicide Trial's Final Stage

A citizen mobilization is scheduled for Tuesday in front of the Judicial Power in Coronel Oviedo, Paraguay. The event aims to support the justice system during the final stage of the oral and public trial for five adults accused in connection with the femicide of María Fernanda Benítez.

Leonardo Benítez, the victim's father, clarified that the gathering is not a protest against the judiciary but a show of support for the ongoing process. The goal is to back the work done during the trial and stand with the family as the proceedings reach a critical point.

Five adults are facing trial for their alleged roles in the crime. Among them are the parents of the main suspect, charged with exposure to danger and simulating a crime for allegedly reporting their son missing while knowing his whereabouts. Another accused is the main suspect's father-in-law, facing charges related to concealing a motorcycle and the crime itself. Mikhaella Jasy Rolón Melgarejo, a friend of the main suspect, is on trial for instigating a crime and concealing it, allegedly advising the suspect on how to kill Benítez. Franco Antonio Acosta Céspedes, a pharmacy owner, is accused of providing abortive medication and attempting an illegal abortion on Benítez, who was pregnant.

The trial is set to conclude with the final statements of the accused and the Benítez family on August 25th, after which the Tribunal will deliberate on the verdicts for each defendant.