ASUNCIÓN, Paraguay – Controversy has erupted in Paraguay as disabled protesters, demonstrating against the rejection of a pension bill for vulnerable individuals, claim they sustained injuries due to violent police suppression. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, May 25, immediately followed the final nullification of the disability pension bill after the Paraguayan Congress failed to override a presidential veto, further fueling outrage within the disabled community.
Police Use Strong-Arm Tactics to Suppress Peaceful Protest
Approximately 30 disabled individuals attempted to march onto Paraguayo Independiente Avenue to protest the bill's rejection, which aimed to provide a monthly pension of 700,000 Guaraníes (approximately 128,000 Korean Won or ~$95 USD). The bill was originally slated for reconsideration in Congress despite the presidential veto, but it was automatically scrapped after no vote was taken by midnight on May 25.
The protesters tried to exit Plaza de Armas in Asunción, but police forces blocked the square's entrances, preventing their movement. Julián Sánchez, chairman of the Coordinadora de Personas con Discapacidad de Caaguazú (Caaguazú Coordinator for Persons with Disabilities), strongly criticized the police action, stating, "We were trapped inside like dogs." He specifically alleged that Luca Aguilar, general coordinator of the National Coordinator for Persons with Disabilities, was injured in the hip by police violence and had to be transported by ambulance. Sánchez identified Carlos Agüero, an officer from the 2nd Police Station, as the alleged assailant.
Furthermore, another protester, Sergia Borja, reportedly injured her arm when police abruptly closed the square's gates during the demonstration. Agustín Amarilla, another participant, expressed his anger, saying, "Superintendent Víctor Presentado locked us in Plaza de Armas like rats, saying he didn't like us trying to go out to protest and inflicted violence on Luca."
Police Claim Self-Defense, Announce CCTV Release
In response, Superintendent Víctor Presentado, who was in charge of controlling the protesters, denied the allegations of police assault. He asserted that a disabled individual in a wheelchair deliberately crashed into his deputy, causing him to fall. Superintendent Presentado stated, "There was no incident from the police side," and explained, "We simply restrained them according to the march law, which does not allow blocking major roads under any circumstances."
He added that his deputy, Carlos Pereira, who was responsible for controlling and assisting the protesters, fell after being hit by the wheelchair and immediately received help from emergency responders. Superintendent Presentado explained that while the protesters initially complied with police instructions, clashes occurred when they attempted to proceed onto Paraguayo Independiente and Chile Avenues to block vehicle traffic and prevent certain members of Congress from entering.
When asked about the necessity of an internal police investigation, Superintendent Presentado stated that all events were recorded, and the footage would be submitted to the prosecutor in charge. He emphasized, "We have all the recorded material, and everything is documented in case it is needed in court. We will submit all materials to the prosecutor of the security and coexistence department."
This incident is expected to reignite discussions in Paraguay regarding the protection of disability rights and freedom of assembly. With ongoing calls for social support for vulnerable groups, criticism of the government's and police's response methods is likely to intensify.
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