From TEDIC, and as an organization that is part of the Human Rights Coordinator of Paraguay (Codehupy), we joined multiple social organizations in the formal filing of an Action of Unconstitutionality against Law No. 7363, known as the “Gag Law”, on the grounds that this legislation violates fundamental rights guaranteed by the National Constitution and weakens democratic space in Paraguay.
The action was formally submitted on Tuesday, December 16, at 10:30 a.m., at the Palace of Justice.
The Gag Law establishes excessive, discretionary, and punitive control over non-profit organizations, directly affecting the constitutional rights to freedom of association and political participation. From a constitutional and human rights perspective, the organizations argued that the regulation violates essential principles such as freedom of association (Art. 42), freedom of expression and participation (Arts. 26 and 40), the principle of legality (Art. 9), as well as Paraguay’s international obligations regarding the protection of civic space.
We also emphasized that this action responds to the need to safeguard community-based work that supports thousands of people in situations of vulnerability. By introducing suspicion and the possibility of arbitrary sanctions, the regulation creates a climate of fear and uncertainty that directly affects solidarity initiatives, as well as educational, cultural, agricultural, and social support projects throughout the country. As we stated, “what is at stake is not an administrative procedure, but the freedom of communities to organize and support one another without fear.”
The event included the participation of legal representatives who explained the core arguments of the action, as well as community leaders who provided firsthand testimony on how this regulation threatens the social work that sustains thousands of families across the country.
We thank journalists, media outlets, social organizations, and the general public who accompanied this filing, recognizing that defending freedom of association is, ultimately, defending democracy itself.
The ABC of our community 
Defending those who defend us