The Paraguayan Senate, in its regular session, has replaced legislator Rafael Esquivel, currently under preventive detention due to accusations of intentional homicide and sexual abuse charges involving a minor.
His replacement was sworn in from his party’s list of substitutes.
The Senate Committee on Constitutional Affairs, National Defense and Public Force approved this decision, with 27 senators backing the opinion.
The replacement was identified from Esquivel’s party, the National Crusade Party (PCN), which also includes a former independent presidential candidate under house arrest due to alleged public peace disturbance charges.
The Senate’s decision led to the swearing in of Javier Odilon Vera, PCN’s sixth most popular candidate, which secured five seats in the last elections.
The case, of serious nature, prompted concern from international organizations, notably Unicef.
Though not directly naming Esquivel, the organization expressed worries about the potential for individuals facing serious allegations assuming national representative roles in Paraguay.