Global Economic Times

Paraguayan Child and Adolescent Minister Demands Full Audit of Trial Records in Acquittal of Teacher Accused of Child Sexual Abuse: Eugenio Rodolfo Sanabria Reporter / Updated : 2025-04-10 16:07:24

ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – The Minister of Children and Adolescents (MINNA), Walter Gutiérrez, has formally requested the Supreme Court to conduct a comprehensive audit of all trial records from the beginning to the end of the case involving a teacher acquitted of sexually abusing an 11-year-old female student.

Minister Gutiérrez made the announcement on April 9th during an interview with local broadcaster GEN/Nación Media. He stated that discussions were held with Supreme Court officials in the immediate aftermath of public outcry over the verdict. During these discussions, he called for a thorough investigation into the entirety of the prosecutorial and judicial proceedings.

"Considering the various pieces of information that have come to light through the media, there is a possibility of improper procedures throughout the trial process," Minister Gutiérrez asserted. "A meticulous analysis of all judicial actors involved, including the guarantee judge, the prosecutor, and the three jury judges, is necessary."

He specifically raised serious concerns regarding statements made by the presiding judge in the case, Julio Alfonso. Judge Alfonso reportedly cited a lack of sufficient evidence to convict the defendant and noted that publicly disclosed chat logs were not included in the prosecutor's investigative records as reasons for the acquittal.

"The fact that the Prosecutor's Office only sought a one-year prison sentence is also highly questionable," Gutiérrez pointed out. "Based on the evidence presented, this could be interpreted more closely as attempted child sexual abuse rather than child sexual abuse using information and communication networks."

MINNA's demand for a full audit is seen as a strong indication of the agency's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the widely criticized verdict and ensuring the fairness and transparency of the judicial process. The nation now awaits the Supreme Court's thorough investigation, hoping it will resolve all doubts surrounding the case and deliver justice for the young victim.