Pre-trial detention ratified once more for defendant accused of threatening journalist

Evelin Librada Paredes Frutos will continue to be held in pre-trial detention, as confirmed by Guarantee Judge José Agustín Delmás. Paredes Frutos faces charges, along with a lawyer, for allegedly threatening journalist Carlos Benítez. The threats are believed to be an attempt to stop publications concerning a promissory note mafia.

During a review hearing, Paredes Frutos's defense attorney, Roque Manuel Aveiro Rodríguez, requested a less stringent measure, proposing house arrest and offering the defendant's mother as a personal guarantor for 50 million Paraguayan guaraníes.

However, prosecutor Ruth Benítez opposed the defense's request. She argued that the risk of obstruction remains high, especially with the conclusion of the investigation period approaching. Benítez stated that no new evidence had been presented to warrant a modification of the pre-trial detention, and the risk of flight persists, particularly as Paredes Frutos has been dismissed from her job.

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the risk of obstruction remains high, as we are shortly before the conclusive request; nor has any new element been presented that would allow for the modification of the precautionary measure of pre-trial detention, so the risk of flight is latent since she was dismissed from her job.

Judge Delmás upheld the pre-trial detention, reasoning that any less severe measure must eliminate the risk of flight and obstruction entirely. He deemed it necessary for Paredes Frutos to remain in custody until the investigative phase concludes and her presence at the preliminary hearing can be assured, noting that the investigative stage is not yet complete, with the prosecution expected to present its conclusive request on July 21.

Paredes Frutos is charged with coercion and threat of punishable acts. The prosecution alleges that between September 18 and 21, 2025, unidentified individuals fired shots at journalist Carlos Benítez's home in Lambaré. One projectile hit the property's fence, while another penetrated the front door and ended up in the backyard quincho. Benítez reported the attack and subsequent threats received via social media.

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if a less serious measure were to be granted, the risk of flight and obstruction must be dissipated absolutely and not relatively, making it necessary for the accused in this case to remain subject until the investigative stage concludes and her presence at the preliminary hearing can be sustained.