Marking the 34th anniversary of the swearing-in of the 1992 National Constitution, the president of the Jury for the Prosecution of Magistrates (JEM), Alicia Pucheta de Correa, advocated for a reform of the body's composition to remove it from the influence of traditional parties and bring it closer to retired legal scholars. The statement was made during a press conference after a commemorative event held in the JEM hearing room, which featured a lecture by former constitutional convention member Emilio Camacho.
A former minister of the Supreme Court of Justice, Pucheta said that, in her personal view, it would be more appropriate for all JEM members to be retired university law professors who do not hold active public office. "It seems to me, from my point of view, that they should be retired… retired academics," said the head of the body, commenting on criticism of political maneuvering and the institution's lack of historical credibility.
Regarding her tenure, which began after she was nominated by the Executive Branch and later elected as a representative on the Council of the Magistracy, Pucheta said the priority had been combating delays and internal impunity. "Since the start of my administration, the fundamental goal has been that no case that has led to impeachment proceedings becomes time-barred. Because that is impunity. When, for example, impeachment proceedings are rightly initiated, they must conclude within 180 days. When that does not happen, that is where impunity lies," she stated. According to her, with periodic reports required from the Directorate of Legal Affairs, no proceeding has failed to be concluded within the established deadlines.
When asked about sensitive episodes in the JEM's recent history, such as political pressure, requests for assistance from judges, and former senator Hernán Rivas's time as president, Pucheta preferred not to comment. "I cannot speak about cases I was not involved in. I only joined two years ago," she said, noting that, as a magistrate, she was prohibited from publicly voicing opinions on such matters.
Asked whether she had received external pressure to steer JEM decisions, she categorically denied it. "No. I don't know if it's because I am a former magistrate and they know that I always applied the law," she said. Regarding questions about the body's decisions, she stated that criticism is free, but that the trials are technical, just as the rulings of the Judiciary are.
The JEM president's proposal comes amid a legal debate in Paraguay about the need for constitutional reforms, with political sectors even suggesting a new National Constituent Assembly. Pucheta emphasized that her position is personal and grounded in her career as a former prosecutor, former defense attorney, and former judge, but she believes that "citizenizing" and making the JEM more technical by appointing retired legal scholars could help reduce the body's image as an instrument of political persecution.