OMM Newsroom
Paraguay’s Senate on Friday rejected President Santiago Pena’s request for a 72-hour extension to prepare his defense in an impeachment trial, according to Anadolu Agency. Lawmakers summoned him to appear at 12:10 p.m. local time (1500 GMT), ABC Digital reported.
“Less than 12 hours is clearly insufficient for a process to meet the standards of a state governed by the rule of law,” Pena wrote in a letter to Senate President Basilio Nunez.
Pena said he received notice of the proceedings on Thursday at 10:15 p.m. local time (0100 GMT Friday), together with a 15-page indictment and about 300 pages of supporting documents. He argued that the short notice left him insufficient time to appoint a lawyer and prepare an adequate legal defense.
The Senate voted 39-3 against granting the extension, with two abstentions and one absence, ABC Digital reported. The vote means Pena must present his defense under the original timetable set by lawmakers.
The impeachment proceedings come amid a financial crisis involving “Ueno Bank”, which Paraguay’s Central Bank took over earlier this week over concerns about its financial condition. Restrictions on customers’ access to deposits have prompted public anger and questions about the bank’s financial dealings.
Pena previously held shares in the holding company that controls “Ueno Bank”. He has faced accusations of conflicts of interest and alleged irregularities involving public pension funds deposited with the lender.
Pena submitted his resignation on Thursday amid mounting pressure, but lawmakers failed to reach a quorum to consider it, allowing the impeachment proceedings to continue. Vice President Pedro Alliana would assume the presidency if Pena’s departure is formalized.
