MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Extradition of Paraguayan corrupt leaders after the elections?

The Biden administration fears any action before the elections could backfire, the magazine explained

The extradition of former Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes and other politicians in the South American country who have been declared as “significantly corrupt” may come after the April 30 elections, according to an article carried in the latest issue of Americas Quarterly magazine.

Cartes currently chairs the National Republican Association (ARN - also known as the Colorado Party). But, under the Paraguayan Constitution, former presidents are permanently banned from reelection. Hence, Cartes' dolphin Santiago Peña is running. Current Vice President Hugo Velázquez, also of the ANR, has also been added to the infamous list.

In the publication's view, there are several explanations as to why the United States may be reluctant to go further with extraditions in Paraguay: In a world full of distractions, Paraguay is distant and landlocked, while US criminal investigations are moving slowly, so it may be difficult to increase support for Paraguay from US criminal justice experts, writes columnist Benjamin Gedan.

Although the United States is widely admired in Paraguay, U.S. actions so far have provoked criticism of foreign intervention, particularly from Cartes' supporters. Hence, the US President Joseph Biden administration might simply be delaying any potential extradition until after the elections, so as not to be accused of meddling in local politics.

Gedan also fears that the Justice Department's intervention could backfire if Peña is elected. He also recalled that a judicial prosecution in the United States entails a burden of proof higher than that for State Department or Treasury sanctions.

The article also reckons that the Biden Administration has shown a willingness to stand up to Paraguay's most powerful actors and that the time is right to attempt a systematic change.

In the meantime, Paraguay is in a state of suspended animation, with rumors circulating about possible indictments and extraditions.

Gedan also recalled that in the late 1970s, President Jimmy Carter's human rights advocacy helped free Paraguayan political prisoners and that today 73% of Paraguayans have a favorable view of the United States.