Paraguay briefing
Paraguay news, explained for readers abroad.
Multilingual news from Paraguay, grouped and explained for readers abroad.
Erico Galeano appeals to Supreme Court to overturn 13-year sentence for money laundering
Former Colorado senator Erico Galeano, held in pretrial detention, has filed a constitutional challenge against the rulings that sentenced him to 13 years in prison for money laundering and criminal association, alleging violations of due process and the presumption of innocence.
Navies of Paraguay and Argentina Reaffirm Historic Ties in Ceremony for Argentine Navy Day
In a ceremony at the Argentine Embassy in Asunción, high-ranking military and diplomatic authorities from both countries celebrated the 212th anniversary of the Battle of Montevideo, highlighting friendship, cooperation, and bilateral integration in the defense area.
Former senator Erico Galeano spends first night in shared cell, to be transferred to ex-Tacumbú
Former Colorado senator Erico Galeano, sentenced to 13 years in prison for money laundering and criminal association, spent his first night in a 15 m² cell at the National Police Judicial Department, sharing the space with other detainees. The court ordered his transfer to the National Pretrial Detention Center, at the former Tacumbú National Penitentiary.
Context
Paraguay Briefing
Short, useful context on the stories shaping Paraguay's politics, markets, and institutions.
Police recover rifle, sprayer and other stolen items in Mayor Otaño; suspect arrested
Why it matters: The National Police arrested Hugo Enrique González Almada, 36, and recovered a sprayer, an air rifle, a flashlight and a fishing net stolen from Wilson Javier Peralta González in Mayor Otaño
Erico Galeano appeals to Supreme Court to overturn 13-year sentence for money laundering
Why it matters: Former Colorado senator Erico Galeano, held in pretrial detention, has filed a constitutional challenge against the rulings that sentenced him to 13 years in prison for money laundering and criminal association, alleging violations of due process and the presumption of innocence
Navies of Paraguay and Argentina Reaffirm Historic Ties in Ceremony for Argentine Navy Day
Why it matters: In a ceremony at the Argentine Embassy in Asunción, high-ranking military and diplomatic authorities from both countries celebrated the 212th anniversary of the Battle of Montevideo, highlighting friendship, cooperation, and bilateral integration in the defense area
Former senator Erico Galeano spends first night in shared cell, to be transferred to ex-Tacumbú
Why it matters: Former Colorado senator Erico Galeano, sentenced to 13 years in prison for money laundering and criminal association, spent his first night in a 15 m² cell at the National Police Judicial Department, sharing the space with other detainees
Mechanic crushed to death by bus during repair in San Lorenzo
Why it matters: Aurelio Daniel Colman De la Cruz, 46, died after a long-distance bus fell onto his chest while he was working underneath the vehicle in a workplace accident in the Miraflores neighborhood of San Lorenzo
Femicide suspect in Nueva Italia allegedly confessed crime to close friend
Why it matters: Paraguay’s National Police are investigating the murder of 31-year-old María Celeste Colmán, found dead in Nueva Italia
Featured
Analysis & Explainers
Background for readers following Paraguay through policy, business risk, diplomacy, and regional affairs.
Mechanic crushed to death by bus during repair in San Lorenzo
Aurelio Daniel Colman De la Cruz, 46, died after a long-distance bus fell onto his chest while he was working underneath the vehicle in a workplace accident in the Miraflores neighborhood of San Lorenzo.
Femicide suspect in Nueva Italia allegedly confessed crime to close friend
Paraguay’s National Police are investigating the murder of 31-year-old María Celeste Colmán, found dead in Nueva Italia. The main suspect, her partner, allegedly confessed the crime to a friend, who alerted the suspect’s mother. The initial account that the body was found by chance while searching for a lost cow has been discarded.
Armed Robbery in Mallorquín Ends with Getaway in Pickup Truck
Heavily armed criminals broke into a residence in Mallorquín during the early morning hours, fleeing with the victims' pickup truck and abandoning a motorcycle during the escape. Local police have launched a search.
Femicide in Nueva Italia: Pregnant Victim Allegedly Killed for Refusing Abortion
María Celeste Segovia Colmán, 31, was found stabbed to death in Nueva Italia. The suspect, Facundo Mauricio Balbuena Villasboa, 19, already in custody, allegedly confessed he killed her because she refused to have an abortion.
Young Karate Champion from Bañado Sur Races Against Time to Represent Paraguay at South American Championship
Andrea Celeste López Barrios, 13, national champion in the U14 category, needs to raise US$1,600 to travel to Cartagena, Colombia, where she will compete in the South American Karate Championship from June 15 to 22. Her family, residents of Bañado Sur in Asunción, is seeking sponsorships and donations.
Erico Galeano's Defense Seeks Annulment of Money Laundering and Organized Crime Convictions
The defense of former Senator Erico Galeano, sentenced to 13 years in prison, has filed an unconstitutionality action with the Constitutional Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice to annul two rulings, alleging violations of constitutional guarantees.
Tire shop worker dies crushed by bus in San Lorenzo
A man working at a tire shop died after being crushed by a bus during a repair in San Lorenzo. Police are investigating the circumstances of the accident.
Sections
Economy, Politics, Security, Environment
Key coverage areas with editorial weight, not a flat archive.
Economy
View allQR dominates digital payments in Paraguay: 7 out of 10 electronic transactions use the code
QR code payments already account for 68.1% of electronic transactions in Paraguay, with 20.2 million operations in April 2026, up 61% from 2025. The technology boosts financial inclusion for micro and small businesses.
Politics
View allSenate Committee Approves Merger of Repatriates Secretariat with Foreign Ministry
The Paraguayan Senate's Foreign Relations Committee issued a favorable opinion on the Executive's bill to incorporate the Secretariat for the Development of Repatriates and National Refugees into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aiming to eliminate duplication of functions and optimize spending. The Chamber of Deputies had already approved the matter with amendments, and the text now goes to the Senate for final analysis.
Security & Justice
View allPolice recover rifle, sprayer and other stolen items in Mayor Otaño; suspect arrested
The National Police arrested Hugo Enrique González Almada, 36, and recovered a sprayer, an air rifle, a flashlight and a fishing net stolen from Wilson Javier Peralta González in Mayor Otaño. The suspect had two outstanding arrest warrants.
Environment
View allBolivian 'El Carrizal' Project Threatens Vital River for Paraguayan Chaco
The construction of a hydroelectric plant in southern Bolivia, on the Pilaya River, puts the Pilcomayo River and the livelihoods of indigenous communities and farmers at risk. Experts warn of extreme sedimentation and lack of prior consultation.