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With threats and 'bullying,' cartismo seeks to place more 'Hernán Rivas' in JEM
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Elections & Politics

With threats and 'bullying,' cartismo seeks to place more 'Hernán Rivas' in JEM

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • A faction within Paraguay's ruling party, Honor Colorado, is accused of using threats and intimidation to block the approval of an "Anti Hernán Rivas" law.
  • The proposed law aims to increase requirements for members of the Jurado de Enjuiciamiento de Magistrados (JEM), the body that judges judges and prosecutors.
  • Critics argue the faction is delaying the vote to protect individuals with potentially fake qualifications, referencing the controversial case of former senator Hernán David Rivas.

A faction of Paraguay's ruling party, Honor Colorado, is reportedly employing tactics including threats and intimidation to prevent the approval of a law designed to strengthen the Jurado de Enjuiciamiento de Magistrados (JEM), the body responsible for judging judges and prosecutors. This move has drawn sharp criticism from opposition lawmakers.

Lawmakers from Honor Colorado, led by Deputy César Cerini and party whip Miguel Del Puerto, attempted to postpone the vote on the "Anti Hernán Rivas" law for another 15 days. This legislation seeks to establish stricter qualifications for JEM members, including requiring a law degree and at least 10 years of legal practice. Critics argue that the delay is a deliberate strategy to maintain the status quo, which has allowed individuals with questionable credentials, such as former senator Hernán David Rivas and former deputy Orlando Arévalo, to hold positions within the JEM.

Enough opposing without grounds. What is the problem with establishing more requirements to be a member of the JEM? Or do we want more Rivas in the JEM? What is the problem, or is it because I propose it, or because you want some bandits to remain in the JEM? What are more false titles?

— Rocío VallejoDeputy Vallejo's strong rebuke of the proposed delay and criticism of the faction's motives.

Deputy Rocío Vallejo strongly opposed the postponement, denouncing it as a "disrespect" and a continued effort to obstruct transparency in the JEM. "Enough opposing without grounds. What is the problem with establishing more requirements to be a member of the JEM? Or do we want more Rivas in the JEM?" she questioned, highlighting the controversy surrounding Rivas's qualifications. Vallejo expressed frustration that despite concessions made in committee, the faction continues to impede progress.

Deputy Roberto González echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the bill simply requires candidates to demonstrate they are lawyers. He questioned his colleagues' lack of shame regarding individuals with potentially false degrees, including one who presided over the JEM. Despite these arguments, the Honor Colorado faction persisted in their efforts to delay the vote, even proposing a 30-day postponement.

Doesn't it make you ashamed that someone from this Chamber went to present us to the JEM and became president (having a fake degree)?

— Roberto GonzálezDeputy González questioning his colleagues about the acceptance of potentially unqualified individuals.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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