Paraguay is a multi-party, constitutional republic. Authorities maintained effective control over the security forces. The principal human rights problems were impunity in the judicial sector, together with lengthy pretrial detention and trial delays; harsh and at times life-threatening prison conditions; and police involvement in criminal activities including unlawful killings by persons associated with police and the military.
Other human rights problems included the killing and intimidation of journalists by organized-crime groups; corruption, discrimination, and violence against women and indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender LGBT persons; and trafficking in persons. Problems with child labor and violations of worker rights occurred often. The government took steps to prosecute and punish officials who committed abuses, but general impunity for officials in the security forces and elsewhere in government was prevalent.
The Paraguayan People's Army EPP and the Armed Peasant Association ACA , a small armed group that separated from the EPP during the year, are guerilla movements that killed security forces and civilians, robbed civilians, kidnapped and held civilians for ransom, stole property, and recruited children to participate in their operations.
There were allegations that some members of the security forces committed arbitrary or unlawful killings. On January 18, Angel Arias Cubilla was abducted in San Juan Nepomuceno, Caazapa, according to testimony from witnesses who saw his car being intercepted by two other vehicles.
His body was discovered five days later tied to a tree and with signs of torture. Authorities arrested police officer Hector Mendoza Lopez and his brother Rolando in connection with the killing. Relatives of the victim alleged local authorities tried to cover up the case. The Attorney General's Office opened an investigation; the case was pending at year's end. On September 5, military forces raided a house in Kurusu de Hierro, Concepcion, based on intelligence of an EPP meeting was taking place.
