Paraguayan Prosecutors Seek Ex-Senator Rivas's Background in Fake Degree Probe

Prosecutors in Paraguay are seeking detailed background information from the Jurado de Enjuiciamiento de Magistrados (JEM) as part of their investigation into former senator Hernán Rivas's alleged use of a fraudulent law degree. The trial, scheduled for late July, centers on accusations of document forgery and the use of false public documents.

Prosecutors Patricia Sánchez and Luz Guerrero have formally requested the JEM to provide the complete file and submissions made by Rivas, including his personal data, the profession he claimed, and any supporting documents. They are also seeking the resolution from July 10, 2023, which appointed Rivas as president of the JEM, along with the corresponding minutes.

The request also includes Rivas's resignation letter or leave request as president of the JEM, submitted in his capacity as a representative of the Senate. Furthermore, prosecutors want a breakdown of all emoluments, salaries, bonuses, and other payments Rivas received for his roles within the JEM between 2020 and 2023.

Rivas's trial is set to begin on July 21. He is accused of using a potentially fake law degree to qualify for and subsequently chair the JEM. The presiding judge, María Fernanda García de Zúñiga, along with judges Yolanda Portillo and Juan Carlos Zárate Pastor, will hear the case. Initially, Judge Héctor Capurro was part of the tribunal but recused himself after it was revealed that his own doctoral degree was from the same institution that issued Rivas's disputed diploma.

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The trial against former senator Hernán David Rivas Román, accused of using his allegedly false lawyer's title to be a member of the Jurado de Enjuiciamiento de Magistrados, an body he even came to chair, is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21 of the current year.