Hernán Rivas faces trial over allegations of legal fraud

The trial of former legislator Hernán Rivas has entered its final phase in Paraguay. The prosecution, led by fiscal Cristian Benítez, is seeking a 12-year prison sentence, alleging that Rivas is not a qualified lawyer and has used his position to illegally instrumentalize the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches, including the Jury for the Impeachment of Magistrates (JEM).

Defense attorney Alba Zaracho has requested Rivas's acquittal, arguing that the Public Ministry failed to provide sufficient evidence of wrongdoing. The defense has criticized the investigation for lacking basic forensic steps, such as digital audits, and has raised arguments regarding the statute of limitations on certain aspects of the case. The judges have entered a deliberation period following the conclusion of closing arguments.