The debate over applying the death penalty in Paraguay for corruption and serious crimes has been gaining ground in populist speeches that seek quick fixes for complex problems. However, experts warn that such a measure would not tackle the roots of the problem, because the judicial system has structural flaws that prevent those responsible from being effectively punished.
Data indicate that fewer than 10% of public corruption complaints reach the Judiciary, and of those, fewer than 10% result in convictions. Moreover, it is rare for politicians or powerful members of the economic sector to be effectively punished, which demonstrates the systemic impunity prevailing in the country.
The problem begins with the training of legal professionals at universities, where there are cases of fake degrees, insufficient knowledge, and strong partisan influence. This scenario compromises the quality of the professionals entering the judicial system, who are often chosen through processes riddled with political interests and a lack of transparency.
A recent example was the selection process for a trial judge, in which a prosecutor who received instructions from a lawyer linked to the president of the ruling party was elected, while an official recognized for fighting organized crime and securing major convictions received only one vote. This highlights the political interference in the judicial selection system.
Furthermore, the Jury for the Prosecution of Magistrates, the body responsible for trying judges and prosecutors, has already been chaired by figures linked to corruption scandals and fake degrees, which undermines its credibility and effectiveness.
Another critical factor is the extreme slowness of the system, with a large number of inmates held without conviction and the trading of court rulings, which erode public trust in the justice system.
Therefore, the proposal to toughen sentences or implement the death penalty is seen as a demagogic measure that does not solve the structural problems of Paraguay's judicial system. The real solution requires deep reforms that guarantee the independence, transparency, and efficiency of the institutions responsible for law enforcement.