Maracaná Mayor targeted after mass eviction and protest highlights tensions over land rights

Introduction

Karãpa indigenous community denounced attacks by armed civilians

The Karãpa Indigenous community of the Ava Guaraní people faces an escalating pattern of attacks and intimidation in Ypehú, Canindeyú, in the context of their struggle to protect ancestral territory against the expansion of agribusiness.

Following forced evictions in early 2025, at the beginning of May 2025, the community reported arbitrary restrictions on movement by armed individuals dressed in uniforms resembling those of public forces, who subject Indigenous people—including children, older persons and the sick—to harassment and threats. Incidents documented include the burning of homes, theft of livestock and belongings, armed assaults, and the use of drones to fire shots, creating a climate of constant fear and insecurity.

The report “Con la Soja al Cuello 2024” highlights that the criminalisation of Indigenous organisations in Paraguay over the past two decades has facilitated the transfer of land to large landowners and agribusiness for integration into international markets.

Civil society warns the Government’s plan to scrap Women’s and Children’s Ministries is “a grave setback”

In April 2025, senators from the ruling party (Colorado party) bloc, joined by colleagues from other parties, introduced a bill to create a “Ministry of the Family” by merging three existing bodies: the Ministry of Women, the Ministry of Children and Adolescents and the National Secretariat of Youth. The bill, announced by legislator Gustavo Leite, cites Article 49 of the Constitution on the family as the foundation of society. Proponents argued the reform will cut costs, centralise policy, and fulfil campaign pledges.

The announcement has drawn criticism from human rights organisations. During a 22nd May hearing, civil society organisations warned that dismantling the existing institutions represents a serious setback for human rights, undermining decades of progress in gender equality, child protection and youth participation. They are also calling on the legislators to reject the measure, insisting that rights cannot be merged or negotiated away — they must be guaranteed.

“This is not administrative streamlining. It is a political act that undermines the rights of women, children, and young people”, the Human Rights Coordinator in Paraguay (Coordinadora de Derechos Humanos del Paraguay, CODEHUPY) said in a statement.

Association

Prosecution of Maracaná Mayor after eviction of hundreds from San Miguel settlement

On 3rd June 2025, security forces conducted a violent eviction at the San Miguel settlement in Maracaná, Canindeyú, displacing around 230 families who had lived there for nine years. In this context, Prosecutor Inés Estigarribia ordered the detention of Maracaná mayor José Cantero, as part of an investigation into the alleged offence of unlawful occupation of property (invasión de inmueble). The Public Prosecutor’s Office alleged that he directly or indirectly promoted the occupation, and issued an arrest warrant against him. Cantero denied the accusations, described the proceedings as politically motivated, and announced that he would appear voluntarily before the Prosecutor’s Office.

On 11th June 2025, he presented himself before the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and that same evening the Criminal Court of Guarantees issued a non-custodial measure in his favour. On that day, protesters gathered outside the Prosecutor’s Office to express support for Cantero. He stated that he had accompanied the eviction together with a Codeni official at the request of Interior Ministry personnel.

Civil society organisations from the European Union System for an Enabling Environment (EU SEE)—a consortium of international civil society organisations and network members in 86 countries—stated that while forced evictions have long plagued rural Paraguay, the decision to criminalise an elected authority for simply monitoring state actions exposes the tightening grip of prosecutorial power:

“The accusations lodged against the municipal mayor in response to his presence in the area contribute to the increasing criminalisation of expressions of social demands and civic demonstrations. This form of repression thus negatively affects the relationship between civil society and public representatives, threatening channels of dialogue and accompaniment.”

The criminal prosecution of Maracaná mayor José Cantero in the aftermath of a mass eviction and the recent public hearing in Congress on the right to land have brought renewed attention to Paraguay’s unresolved land crisis.

Ten days later, on 19th June, the National Congress hosted the public hearing “The human right to land: problems and solutions”, convened by Senator Yolanda Paredes. The event brought together authorities, social organisations, campesino and indigenous communities, and human rights defenders. CODEHUPY denounced forced evictions, calling for an immediate halt, a review of land and housing policies, and the creation of an environmental agrarian jurisdiction. Testimonies underscored how land concentration, lack of tenure security and violent evictions have generated persistent cycles of conflict and displacement.

Peaceful Assembly

Campesino community in Canindeyú protests armed violence linked to land conflict

On 15th May 2025, the campesino community of 15 de Agosto in Canindeyú mobilised to denounce the violence exercised by armed groups allegedly acting in defence of large-scale soybean producers. Two days earlier, on 13th May, armed civilians reportedly fired live rounds from a neighbouring ranch towards the community’s access road, where children were on their way to school.

The 15 de Agosto settlement is home to 65 families who grow food for both subsistence and income. The community began its struggle for land in August 2024, when families reclaimed fiscal lands once belonging to the company La Industrial Paraguaya, which they argue were illegitimately appropriated by landowners and subsequently leased to agribusiness producers of soy.

This latest episode follows a pattern of forced evictions in the region. In January 2025, the Edilson Mercado and 15 de Agosto settlements, both in Yasy Cañy district, were subjected to violent eviction operations. Residents reported the destruction of homes and crops, the burning of belongings, theft of livestock, contamination of water sources, and the removal of electrical transformers. Numerous community members were also prosecuted and imprisoned as a result of these actions.

Protest in Hugua Po’i halts planned raid and reaffirms Indigenous rights

On 9th June 2025, Indigenous leaders and several civil society organisations mobilised in the Indigenous community of Hugua Po’i, Caaguazú, to oppose a planned eviction and raid by the Attorney General’s Office. The protest successfully pressured authorities to suspend the operation, which had been authorised to investigate alleged environmental crimes. Community members warned that such interventions often end in forced evictions, despite protective legal measures.

Hugua Po’i is a Mbya Guaraní community in the district of Raúl Arsenio Oviedo, home to around 70 families occupying 1,000 hectares of ancestral land. The community has faced repeated threats and at least two forced evictions in recent years. According to reports, pressure on the land intensified after the Mennonite-owned agribusiness Dos Palmas sought to appropriate the territory for large-scale cultivation of transgenic soy and maize.

Representatives of the CODEHUPY highlighted that the prosecutor in charge had failed to establish dialogue with the community and recalled that judicial rulings prohibit eviction in Hugua Po’i. For residents, the suspension was celebrated as a victory in defending indigenous territorial rights.

Indigenous protest in Asunción met with closure of INDI central office

For several days in July 2025, 800 Indigenous people camped outside the headquarters of the Paraguayan Institute of the Indigenous (INDI) in Asunción, demanding improved services and the dismissal of its president. Their protest was met with an unexpected government response: the closure of INDI’s central office in the capital, announced on 16th July.

The government stated that the move formed part of a decentralisation plan instructed by President Santiago Peña, with three regional offices to be opened — one in Caaguazú and two in the Chaco. Officials argued that the measure would bring the institution closer to communities.

Yet indigenous organisations rejected the decision, calling it unilateral and warning that it undermines participation. ANIVID demanded the immediate reopening of the office and respect for Law 904/81 governing INDI. The Indigenous Women’s Articulation (MIPy) described the measure as an attempt to “make us invisible and silenced”, while the Indigenous Articulation Table of Paraguay (MAIPy) and CONAMURI denounced the absence of consultation and the suppression of indigenous presence in the political centre of the country.

Created in 1981, INDI is among Paraguay’s weakest state institutions, with one of the smallest budgets. The closure of its central office follows a series of forced evictions of Indigenous communities and the omission of Indigenous peoples from President Peña’s annual report to Congress.

Teachers mobilised for working conditions

On 30th May 2025, members of the Organisation of Education Workers of Paraguay – National Union (OTEP-SN) held a mobilisation in front of the Ministry of Education and Science (MEC) in Asunción. The protest denounced the administrative overload faced by teachers and rejected the precarious working conditions imposed by the MEC.

Union representatives also criticised government programmes such as “Zero Hunger” and resolution 376, arguing that these initiatives failed to address the structural challenges within the education system. Protesters demanded respect for labour rights, the dignification of the teaching profession and greater professional support within schools. OTEP-SN emphasised that improving teachers’ working conditions is essential to strengthening public education and ensuring quality learning for students.

Residents in Asunción demonstrate against mayor and councillors

On 21st June 2025, a dozen residents gathered in Plaza O'Leary to demonstrate against the mayor of Asunción, Oscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez, and several councillors. They complained about the deterioration of the city and demanded the removal of the mayor and sanctions for the councillors.

The protesters also criticised the alleged violation of municipal ordinances related to the protection of green spaces, such as the Botanical Garden, Pavetti Park and Avenida Quinta. Some even claim that "Nenecho" should be in jail in Tacumbú for his actions.

Nurses demand improvements and reject outsourcing in IPS

On 25th June 2025, nurses from across Paraguay converged in Asunción in a demonstration known as “La Gran Marea Blanca.” The protest was organised to demand improvements in working conditions, salary adjustments and greater investment in the public health system. It began at the Ministry of Health and included actions at the Social Security Institute and the Ministry of Economy.

The mobilisation was supported by unions from leading public hospitals, including Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Hospital de Clínicas, Villa Elisa, Capiatá, the National Cancer Institute (INCAN) and the Institute of Tropical Medicine. National and international health organisations also expressed solidarity.

Among the principal demands were the regularisation of contracted staff, the levelling of conditions between permanent and temporary workers, and the supply of medicines and biomedical equipment to public hospitals.

Union leaders also rejected outsourcing initiatives in the health sector, warning that they undermine planning and sustainability. The day concluded with a meeting between representatives of the nursing unions and the Deputy Minister of Human Resources at the Ministry of Economy.

LGBTQI+ communities march in Asunción denouncing lack of state guarantees for their rights

On 28th June 2025, thousands of LGBTQI+ people and allies marched through Asunción demanding justice, dignity and equality. Organisers criticised the absence of public policies to protect LGBTQI+ people from discrimination and violence. They pointed out that despite repeated demands, the State has not advanced legislation on equal marriage, gender identity, or comprehensive anti-discrimination measures. Protesters also emphasised the vulnerability of trans communities, who continue to face exclusion from education, employment and healthcare.

Expression

Journalists attacked during municipal workers’ protest

On 9th June 2025, municipal employees protesting at the Asunción City Hall physically and verbally assaulted journalists covering the demonstration. The protest sought payment of delayed salaries and took place in front of the office of the mayor, Óscar “Nenecho” Rodríguez. After a meeting between the chief of staff, Nelson Mora, and workers’ representatives, some protesters turned on the media, accusing them of responsibility for the situation and attacking several journalists present.

The Union of Journalists of Paraguay (Sindicato de Periodistas del Paraguay, SPP) condemned the attacks and expressed solidarity with the affected journalists. The SPP underlined that media workers are not accountable for the editorial positions or business practices of media outlets. It demanded respect for press workers and called on the authorities to prevent and sanction violence against journalists.

Journalist threatened during police operation in Asunción

On 25th June 2025, residents in the Chacarita neighbourhood verbally threatened a journalist from the daily ABC Color, who was reporting on a police deployment alongside other media workers. Although no physical attack was reported, the intimidation sought to obstruct journalistic work and placed the journalist in danger.

The operation, led by the National and Transnational Organised Crime Department with the support of special units, resulted in nine arrests. According to authorities, the targeted gangs recruit adolescents and are frequently involved in armed clashes.

Journalist receives death threats after reporting

On 18th June 2025, journalist César Candia, owner of a small digital news outlet “Noticias al Día”, received a WhatsApp message warning him to stop reporting on a Mennonite landowner in Caaguazú and a land dispute in Yasy Cañy. Candia has reported that the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Curuguaty has failed to act on more than 30 complaints filed against a Mennonite landowner.

The anonymous message read: “Cesar, you are a useless journalist, stop publishing about Mr Heinrich Friesen Hildebrand and Mr Carlos Alfonzo and more friends regarding the case of the land in Yasy Cañy. If you keep publishing, we are going to shoot you. This is our final warning… Be warned, or you will get what you deserve.”

The Society of Paraguayan Communicators condemned the threats, describing them as a serious attack on freedom of expression. The organisation demanded urgent investigations, protection for Candia and guarantees to ensure journalists can safely carry out their work in Paraguay.

Prison officials harassed journalist during reporting

On 18th May 2025, journalist Cristian Bianciotto, director of OviedoPress, attended the Regional Women’s Prison of Coronel Oviedo to cover a cultural and solidarity event organised by the Red de Voluntarios (RDV). Prison authorities authorised his entry and the use of his mobile phone as a work tool, following the required security procedures. While he reported on the event, a prison commander confronted him aggressively and attempted to confiscate his phone, declaring: “I know why I have to take your phone.” The incident generated tension, requiring others present to intervene.

Bianciotto immediately sought clarification from the prison authorities. The Director-General of Women’s Prison Facilities stated that she would look into the matter, while the local prison director did not respond to his communications. According to media reports, the confrontation highlighted a lack of institutional safeguards to prevent intimidation of journalists by prison officials.

Judge bars journalists from reporting on councillor’s cattle rustling case

On 26th June 2025, a judge in Curuguaty issued a precautionary measure prohibiting journalists César Candia and Alberto Núñez from reporting on judicial proceedings involving municipal councillor Julio Vera, accused of alleged cattle rustling. The order prevented them from publishing information, even though their reports drew on official documents in the case file.

Defence lawyer Ezequiel Santagada described the ruling as censorship, arguing that it lacked legal reasoning. The complainant alleged only harm to honour, without reference to doctrines such as actual malice, which apply in cases of intentional dissemination of falsehoods. Santagada also cited constitutional violations, including provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression, the right to defence and due process. Procedural flaws included a Saturday hearing scheduled with just 48 hours’ notice, despite a legal minimum of three days for preparation.

Civil society organisations warned that the case reflects a wider trend of judicial harassment of the media. Previous cases include proceedings brought by businessman Christian Chena against journalist Gisele Mousques, and a lawsuit against journalist Mabel Portillo for reporting on alleged corruption in Guairá.

Other developments

Delayed justice for Indigenous peoples and punitive juvenile reform proposals raise concern

On 18th June 2025, the organisation Tierraviva met with Deputy Prosecutor Nancy Salomón to denounce the inaction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office in cases filed by Indigenous communities in the Chaco. Among the cases is the invasion of ancestral lands belonging to the Payseyamexyempa’a community of the Enxet people, paralysed since October 2024 despite what Tierraviva describes as convincing evidence. Four other investigations have also seen no progress. The organisation accused the authorities of denial of justice and re-victimisation of indigenous peoples, and called for accountability within the prosecutorial system.

Two days later, on 20th June, the Network for Children and Adolescents (CDIA) publicly rejected a bill seeking to increase penalties for adolescents in conflict with the law. CDIA criticised the initiative as a reactive and ineffective response to violence, warning that punitive approaches would only deepen existing problems in the penitentiary system. Instead, it proposed a real alternative based on prevention, inclusion and restorative justice. The organisation emphasised the need for investment in mental health, comprehensive sexual education, protective environments, and effective policies to address micro-trafficking.

Indigenous communities face prolonged prosecutorial inaction in defending their territorial rights, while adolescents risk exposure to harsher penalties in an already fragile justice system.