Uruguayan parliament votes to lift immunity of senator under investigation for sex crimes against minors

Uruguay’s Senate unanimously passed a resolution to strip Senator Gustavo Penadés of his legislative immunity following investigations into eight allegations of sexual exploitation of minors.

The vote was confirmed by Beatriz Argimón, the President of the Senate and Vice-President of the Republic.

Penadés, 57, who recently resigned from the ruling National Party (PN), has held legislative office since 1994, a position confirmed in several subsequent elections.

PN’s representative in the Constitution Commission, Senator Carmen Asiaín, emphasized during the session that her party and chamber wish to cooperate with the Prosecutor’s Office and the Judiciary to facilitate the investigation.

Opposition Senator José Carlos Mahía of the Broad Front (FA) endorsed the resolution, citing the gravity of the accusations, their societal impact, and the public unrest they have caused.

Penadés, currently on leave, had earlier requested a vote on his immunity to cooperate with the prosecutor’s investigation as soon as possible.

Prosecutor Alicia Ghione is looking into claims from eight individuals who allege they were paid for sexual acts by Penadés when they were minors.

Now that his immunity has been lifted, Penadés is expected to answer to the law regarding these charges. He has refuted the allegations ever since they were first made public in April.

Uruguayan President Luis Lacalle Pou, acknowledging his friendship with Penadés, expressed last week that the accusations were severe and numerous.

He emphasized his expectation for swift justice in the matter.

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