ASUNCION – Former Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo, a former Catholic priest once hailed as the "father of the poor" and a symbol of reform, has been sued for sexual assault, causing a widening scandal involving his hidden sons. Local daily Ultimahora reported on the 23rd that Benigna Leguizamón, 27, who claims to have a six-year-old son with the former president, has accused him of sexual assault.
Allegations of Sexual Assault on a 17-Year-Old Girl: A Dark Shadow from His Priesthood
Leguizamón clearly stated her intention to file a lawsuit in an interview with a local radio station the previous day, claiming, "I got pregnant after being sexually assaulted by President Lugo." According to her, the sexual assault occurred in 2001 when she was 17 years old, and Lugo was then serving as a priest in the San Pedro diocese in northern Paraguay. This allegation, suggesting inappropriate conduct by Lugo during his time as a clergyman when he should have upheld moral responsibility, is expected to cause even greater social repercussions.
Consecutive Paternity Lawsuits and Lugo's Response
This sexual assault accusation is an extension of the ongoing paternity lawsuit controversy surrounding former President Lugo. On April 8, Viviana Rosalí Carrillo, 26, filed a paternity suit for her two-year-old son, claiming he was fathered by Lugo. Lugo then publicly acknowledged paternity five days later, shocking Paraguayan society.
Subsequently, on April 20 and 22, Leguizamón and Damiana Hortensia Morán Amarilla, 39, respectively, filed paternity lawsuits, claiming their sons, aged six and 16 months, were Lugo's children. Leguizamón, in particular, strongly demanded a DNA test between Lugo and her son. Lugo's side has denied paternity of Leguizamón's child and has refused DNA testing through his lawyers. However, with the judiciary's decision on the 19th that he must submit to blood collection for DNA testing, former President Lugo faces intense pressure once again.
Lugo's Silence: Inevitable Damage to His Image
Regarding Leguizamón's sexual assault allegations and the judiciary's order for a DNA test, former President Lugo's side has not yet issued an official statement. This further amplifies the suspicions and contributes to growing public distrust.
The hidden son scandal is inflicting a fatal blow to former President Lugo's political career. He was once called the "father of the poor" and was expected to be a leader who would bring about social reform. Elected president in 2008, he ended decades of long-term rule by the Colorado Party and ushered in a leftist government, giving great hope to the Paraguayan people. However, this personal life controversy raises serious questions about his morality and leadership, leaving an irreparable stain on the clean, common-man image he had built. This scandal has shaken Paraguayan society for the past three months and is significantly burdening the operation of state affairs.
Deepening Controversy in Paraguayan Society
This incident is more than just a personal matter; it has sparked various controversies across Paraguayan society, including morality, religion, and abuse of power. The complexity of the case is heightened by the overlap of his status as a Catholic priest and his position as the nation's highest authority. The public is demanding that former President Lugo reveal the truth and demonstrate accountability. Depending on the judiciary's future judgment and Lugo's response, the Paraguayan political landscape could once again be engulfed in a major whirlwind.
Some analyses suggest that this incident will weaken former President Lugo's political base and serve as a serious obstacle to future state governance. Voices of disappointment are emerging not only from the opposition but also from within some factions that supported him, indicating that Lugo's crisis is likely to deepen. Paraguay's attention is now focused on the results of the judiciary's DNA test and former President Lugo's final statement.
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