Víctor Bogado attacks Miguel Prieto over corruption allegations, but warns against underestimating him

Former senator Víctor Bogado, himself removed from Congress after his conviction in Paraguay’s “Golden Nanny” case, launched a sharp attack on opposition presidential hopeful Miguel Prieto. Bogado said he could not recall “in Paraguayan political history” anyone facing so many corruption complaints.

Speaking to Radio Cáritas and C9N, Bogado criticized Prieto’s caravan to the Basilica of Caacupé and his decision to enter the church wearing a bulletproof vest. He called it “a caravan of victimization and the ridiculous act of even putting on a bulletproof vest.” Bogado said Prieto would soon appear before the justice system rather than face the risk of being disappeared, which Prieto had suggested.

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in Paraguayan political history

Bogado said the courts would determine whether Prieto bore responsibility for alleged wrongdoing. Yet he warned Colorado politicians against dismissing their rival. “I believe we must not underestimate him. I do not underestimate anyone. In politics, there is no such thing as a small enemy,” he said.

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a caravan of victimization and the ridiculous act of even putting on a bulletproof vest

He portrayed Prieto as a carefully advised and well-resourced politician whose every move was planned. Bogado also said a supposed “army of bots” attacked him after he commented on Prieto’s case online.

Bogado declined to say whether Prieto was the target of political persecution by the ruling Colorado movement. He argued that persecution has changed in the digital era, with “manuals” that begin by presenting fake news as truth and then activating legal mechanisms. He also pointed to powerful economic corporations that own media outlets and banks and pursue their own economic interests and political agendas.

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I believe we must not underestimate him. I do not underestimate anyone. In politics, there is no such thing as a small enemy.