The Supreme Court has rejected the appeal of former governor Hugo Javier González, making his 10-year sentence for embezzling pandemic funds definitive, while his defense announces a new motion to annul the verdict.
Hugo Javier
Pytagua coverage mentioning Hugo Javier.
An Appeals Court has confirmed the oral and public trial of former Central Department governor Hugo Javier González and other defendants accused of the alleged embezzlement of more than G. 18.3 billion in public funds, with proceedings set to begin on February 3, 2027.
The Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice rejected the defense's challenge against the Appeals Court, allowing the panel to review the appeal against the decision to send the case to oral trial over the alleged diversion of G. 18.384 billion from the Central Governorate.
Opposition lawmakers in Paraguay criticize Comptroller General Camilo Benítez, claiming he uses an alleged gap in Law 5189/14 to avoid sanctioning agencies that do not disclose employee salaries, such as binational entities. They point to selectivity in audits and complicity with the Cartes/Peña government.