Paraguay

Regarding press freedom, investigative journalism faced threats and attacks, particularly in border areas, as well as legal actions that media outlets and journalists’ organizations consider mechanisms of indirect censorship. There were also reports of new forms of digital harassment and a disinformation structure that allegedly used social media and digital advertising to discredit journalists, media outlets, and other critical voices.

In April, a Criminal Court of Appeals unanimously overturned the conviction of ABC Color Director Natalia Zuccolillo and journalist Juan Carlos Lezcano, who had been convicted in 2022 of defamation over reports concerning the management of former Deputy Minister of Taxation Marta González Ayala in connection with the Marangatú computer system. The judges determined that the first-instance ruling lacked adequate reasoning, contained incurable procedural defects, and violated the constitutional right to information and to criticize public administration. The decision nullified the judgment and remanded the case for a new oral trial, without ruling on the merits of the allegations.

That same month, the Paraguayan Journalists’ Union (SPP) expressed concern over the bill on the “Prevention, Protection and Assistance to Journalists and Press Workers Who Are Victims of Violence,” introduced in the Senate. The union questioned the discretion granted to the Executive Branch and the Ministry of the Interior to determine who would receive protection measures and warned of the risk that the mechanism could be applied selectively.

In May, the Paraguayan Network of Women Journalists questioned statements by President Peña against journalist Mariela Fretes of ABC Color after she asked him questions about his assets. The president implied that journalists could receive financing from criminal organizations and proposed reviewing the journalist’s income. Subsequently, in the context of investigations into a digital disinformation structure and fake profiles targeting critics of the governing party, he also publicly questioned journalistic work and described certain investigations as “extortion.” These statements were criticized by journalists’ organizations.

In June, the Criminal Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a constitutional habeas data action filed by businessman Iván Pergher Brunetta against Última Hora. The plaintiff sought to have the outlet modify or remove from its website a 2015 article concerning legal proceedings against him, in which he was subsequently acquitted. The court found that the claim sought to establish a “right to be forgotten” that is not recognized under Paraguayan law.

Also in June, FIFA notified Editorial Azeta S.A. (Grupo ABC Color) and Radio Cardinal AM that it was revoking the press credentials of sports commentator Jorge “Chipi” Vera for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The measure was adopted because of comments made by the broadcaster about soccer officials during a Paraguayan national team match. The SPP and the Circle of Sports Journalists criticized the decision as disproportionate and contrary to freedom of opinion and the right to work. Vera acknowledged his statements and issued a correction, but FIFA maintained the measure.

In June, a case involving threats and intimidation against journalist Carlos Benítez concluded with the conviction of Zully Ortiz García and Evelin Librada Paredes Frutos. Both were found guilty of death threats made through fake social media profiles against the host of El Observador, a radio program on Radio Ñandutí. The investigation linked the harassment and a shooting attack on the journalist’s home to his reporting on the so-called “promissory note mafia.”

That same month, the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rejected the appeal on points of law filed by the defense of former press manager for Grupo Albavisión channels SNT and C9N, Carlos Granada, upholding his 10-year prison sentence for coercion, sexual coercion, and sexual harassment against several female press workers. The decision upheld the rulings of the lower courts and constitutes a relevant judicial precedent concerning gender-based violence and abuse of power in media workplaces.

In July, the National Police Command and the Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered an investigation into alleged abuse of authority by officers from the 3rd Metropolitan Police Station following an assault against retired Última Hora journalist Lorenzo Villalba. The journalist was beaten and handcuffed while recording with his phone the arrest of a suspect during coverage of a nightclub fire in Asunción. The SPP criticized the use of force and the attempt to prevent the journalist from recording the police procedure.

Also in July, the SPP called for the dismissal of Minister of Information and Communication Technologies (Mitic) Gustavo Villate following ABC Color investigations into a structure known as the “Disinformation Network.” According to the reports, the network allegedly operated to discredit journalists and government critics and may have received public funding. Villate publicly criticized ABC Color journalist Leonardo Gómez, using politically charged language. The SPP and international journalists’ organizations expressed concern about these events and about rhetoric directed at journalists.

In the same context, the SPP reported that Radio Cáritas 680 AM had allegedly been pressured to remove from its social media accounts a post related to ABC Color’s investigation into the so-called “Disinformation Network.” According to the complaint, the pressure allegedly included a threat to withdraw government advertising. The case again raised questions about the use of government advertising and its potential impact on editorial independence.

Also in July, evidence obtained from the phone of Saúl Humberto Ruiz Gauto, who was detained in an investigation into threats against radio journalist Aníbal Gómez Caballero of Pedro Juan Caballero, became known. A forensic examination identified conversations with Amambay Congressman Santiago Benítez concerning the sale of weapons and ammunition during dates that coincided with the period when the journalist was being harassed. Benítez acknowledged the communications and said he was seeking weapons to strengthen his personal security because of the situation along the border.

Also in July, the Paraguayan State held a ceremony acknowledging responsibility and issuing a public apology to the family of journalist Santiago Leguizamón Zaván, who was murdered in 1991 in Pedro Juan Caballero, in compliance with a measure ordered by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. The ceremony was held at the Palace of Justice in Asunción and attended by government officials, family members, and representatives of the journalists’ union. The family and the SPP called, among other measures, for the approval of a comprehensive protection law and the establishment of the working group ordered by the international court to investigate the murders of 22 press workers whose cases remain unresolved.

In August, press workers affiliated with the SPP held demonstrations following the refusal of several media outlets to implement the 5% salary adjustment established in the collective bargaining agreement. The protests took place outside the offices of Última Hora and ABC Color and received support from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). The union linked the wage dispute to the sustainability of journalism as a profession.

In September, new developments emerged in the investigation into the “Despierta Paraguay” (“Despierta PY”) page, linked to the structure known as the “Disinformation Network.” A private digital forensic examination of a phone voluntarily provided as part of a judicial settlement produced information about the administration and operation of the digital structure. The evidence was linked to executives of the agency Azafrán S.A. and to individuals associated with the current government. Journalists’ organizations and legal experts called on the Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether public funds had been used to finance digital advertising intended to discredit journalists and media outlets.

Journalistic investigations described a structure that allegedly used Facebook, Instagram, and Google advertising to disseminate content targeting critical journalists and media outlets, including false or manipulated content and material generated using artificial intelligence. The case prompted requests for information and investigations in Congress and raised questions about the possible use of public resources and the potential responsibility of public officials or third parties. ABC Color’s investigation attributed a significant volume of digital advertising and attacks targeting media outlets and journalists to the structure, although these conclusions are part of the journalistic investigation and remain subject to institutional scrutiny and further inquiries.

In September, Editorial Azeta S.A. (Grupo ABC Color) filed an action of unconstitutionality before the Supreme Court of Justice challenging judicial decisions ordering the removal from its digital platforms of four journalistic publications from 2013 to 2015. The dispute originated in a habeas data action filed by businessman Estanislao Franco de Oliveira, known as “Chilao,” who alleged harm to his honor and reputation. The first- and second-instance rulings ordered the removal of the historical archives. The media outlet argued that the rulings constitute a form of indirect judicial censorship and violate constitutional guarantees and those established by the American Convention on Human Rights. At the end of the period, the action was pending before the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court.

Also in September, officials from the Municipality of Fernando de la Mora were accused of assaulting and intimidating residents and journalists. The allegations arose after residents and merchants put up signs criticizing the condition of the streets. According to the complaints, there were threats of fines, administrative difficulties, and inspections. A Nación Media team, comprising journalists from GEN and Universo 970 AM, also reported obstruction while covering the events. Cameraman Rodrigo Benítez said he was assaulted and prevented from recording images inside the municipal building.

In September, a Trial Court sentenced former Senator Hernán Rivas to eight years in prison after determining that he had used a fraudulent law degree. The case had been prompted by journalistic investigations questioning the authenticity of his academic credentials and his exercise of public functions, including his chairmanship of the Magistrates’ Disciplinary Tribunal. The ruling was considered relevant because of the institutional implications of the case and the role of journalistic investigations in bringing it to light.

Finally, in September, the vehicle of journalist César Candia, a correspondent for SNT and C9N in Yasy Cañy, Canindeyú Department, and administrator of the digital outlet Noticias al Día, was set on fire. Closed-circuit footage shows a person with their face covered approaching the vehicle, which was parked outside the journalist’s home, spraying it with a flammable liquid and setting it on fire. The SPP called for an investigation, security measures for the journalist and his family, and progress on the bill to protect journalists and human rights defenders. Prosecutor Néstor Narváez formally requested strengthened security measures for Candia and his family.