Paraguay: Prosecutor's Office Criticized for Delay in 'Dirty Campaign' Fund Misuse Probe

Paraguay's Public Ministry faces accusations of a "striking delay" in assigning a prosecutor to investigate a complaint concerning the alleged misuse of public funds for "dirty campaigns" targeting the press. The complaint, filed by several deputies and communicator Hugo Portillo, alleges that state resources were diverted to finance a "disinformation network." Despite formal presentations over a month ago, the Prosecutor General's office has yet to designate a team to safeguard the evidence, leaving the investigation in limbo.

This perceived inaction stands in stark contrast to the speed with which the Public Ministry addressed a recent complaint about irregularities at the Institute of Social Security (IPS). In that case, the institution acted immediately, with the Prosecutor General assigning prosecutors to the cause on the same day the case was escalated. This disparity has led to accusations of judicial selectivity, with lawyers involved in the "dirty campaign" complaint pointing out that their earlier filing has been significantly overlooked compared to the IPS case.

Legal representatives involved in the "dirty campaign" complaint emphasize the urgency required to preserve electronic evidence. They warn that delays allow those implicated to continue erasing digital traces on social media, an act that constitutes a crime in itself. The situation raises serious questions about the commitment to transparency and accountability, particularly when allegations involve the government allegedly using public funds to silence critics and manipulate public discourse. The slow pace fuels concerns about the potential for evidence tampering and the erosion of press freedom in Paraguay.

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The resolution of assignment comes out the same day Nancy Salomón forwards it. However, our note is much earlier and it still hasn't been assigned.