Carolina Pimentel     Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – Miguel López Perito, the top administrative aide (“chefe de gabinete”) to the president of Paraguay, Fernando Lugo, called the impeachment process against his boss a coup d’état (“golpe de estado”). Today, Friday, June 22, the Senate begins hearings that Perito says are led by the Colorado (opposition) and Liberal (government) political parties in order to create a situation where general elections scheduled to take place in nine months will not occur.

“They are afraid that progressive candidates will win again,” declared Perito.

Perito criticized the lack of time allowed Lugo to prepare his defense. In accordance with Senate rules, Lugo will have two hours to present his case.. Accusations will be presented by five deputies. After the defense and prosecution presentations, the Senate will decide. A decision is expected at around 5:30 pm today (Brasilia time 4:30 pm in Asuncion).

There are reports of heavy police forces in front of the Congress building.

Deputies began an impeachment process against Lugo following a land conflict a week ago (on Friday, June 15) in which at least 17 people died.

Perito says the government is investigating the case.

Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English

Link - Chefe de gabinete de Lugo chama processo de impeachment de “golpe de Estado”