Paraguay Chamber of Deputies supports tougher corruption penalties

The Paraguayan Chamber of Deputies has granted initial political support to a bill aimed at increasing penalties for public corruption crimes. The proposal, spearheaded by Deputy Daniel Centurión, passed a general vote with 53 votes after more than two years of development and various modifications.

While the general approval marks a significant step, the detailed discussion of the bill has been postponed indefinitely. The initiative must now undergo committee review to address proposed amendments, particularly those concerning the proportionality of the sanctions.

The bill focuses on modifying nine specific criminal categories related to public corruption. Rather than changing minimum sentences, the proposal seeks to increase the maximum penalties for offenses such as illicit enrichment, influence peddling, passive bribery, and criminal association.