Asunción, Paraguay – A Paraguayan judge has ordered the arrest of Manuel Enrique Radice Zárate, a lawyer and former political advisor, following the revocation of a suspended sentence related to unpaid child support obligations. The decision, handed down on Wednesday, marks a significant escalation in a case that has been ongoing since 2022 and highlights the legal consequences of failing to meet familial financial responsibilities.
Judge Sandra Kirchhofer of the Fourth Turn Execution Court revoked the probation granted to Radice Zárate and issued a warrant for his arrest, directing the National Police to apprehend him. Upon capture, Radice Zárate is to be remanded to Tacumbú prison, a major correctional facility in Paraguay, although remaining in open communication with the court, according to the ruling.
The case stems from a 2022 conviction for failure to fulfill legal obligations regarding child support. Radice Zárate was initially sentenced to two years in prison, but that sentence was suspended, contingent upon adherence to specific conditions. However, authorities allege that he failed to comply with those conditions, leading to the revocation of the suspension and the current arrest warrant. This case underscores the seriousness with which Paraguayan courts treat parental financial obligations.
Legal and Professional Fallout
Beyond the criminal charges, Radice Zárate has also faced professional repercussions. The General Justice Directorate of the Supreme Court of Justice officially suspended him from practicing law for a period of eight months, effective February 6th to October 6th, 2026. Ultima Hora reports that this suspension adds another layer to the legal challenges facing the former advisor to the Superior Electoral Tribunal.
According to reporting from Ultima Hora, the judge revoked the suspended sentence because Radice Zárate did not fulfill his obligations, specifically the payment of G. 64,200,000 (Paraguayan Guarani) in 24 installments of G. 6,000,000 each. The initial conviction, handed down on March 18, 2022, was upheld by the Criminal Appeals Court, First Chamber, on October 13, 2024, and subsequently ratified by the Criminal Chamber of the Supreme Court of Justice on March 22, 2024, which deemed a cassation inadmissible.
The case has seen several procedural developments. The file was initially received by Judge Cynthia Sostoa on May 7, 2025, but she recused herself in July of the same year, transferring the case to Judge Kirchhofer. Judge Kirchhofer initially requested Radice Zárate to fulfill his obligations, but this was appealed, and he even filed an action of unconstitutionality before the Constitutional Chamber of the Court. Following the resolution of these challenges, the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested the revocation of the suspended sentence in March of the previous year due to non-compliance with the court’s resolutions.
Background and Political Connections
Radice Zárate is reportedly the godson of Alberto Ramírez Zambonini, a former member of the Superior Electoral Tribunal, adding a political dimension to the case. This connection has drawn scrutiny, although it has not been directly cited as a factor in the legal proceedings. The case highlights the intersection of legal obligations, political affiliations, and the enforcement of court orders in Paraguay.
While the judge found that Radice Zárate did not violate the prohibition against leaving the country without court authorization, he failed to provide proof of residency and did not appear before the court even once during the nearly two years the case was pending. This lack of engagement with the legal process contributed to the judge’s decision to revoke the suspended sentence.
Implications and Next Steps
The arrest of Manuel Enrique Radice Zárate sends a clear message about the importance of complying with court orders, particularly those related to familial financial obligations. The case is likely to be closely watched by legal professionals and the public alike, as it demonstrates the consequences of failing to meet these responsibilities. The Paraguayan legal system’s commitment to enforcing child support orders is a critical component of protecting vulnerable family members.
The immediate next step is the apprehension of Radice Zárate by the National Police. Once in custody, he will be transferred to Tacumbú prison, where he will remain in open communication with the court. Further legal proceedings are expected to determine the full extent of his sentence and any potential appeals. The case will continue to be monitored by the legal community and the media as it progresses through the Paraguayan judicial system.
This case also raises broader questions about the enforcement of financial obligations in Paraguay and the challenges faced by individuals seeking to secure court-ordered support. The outcome of this case could have implications for similar cases in the future, potentially influencing the approach taken by courts and legal professionals in addressing issues of non-compliance.
As of today, March 19, 2026, the Paraguayan National Police are actively searching for Manuel Enrique Radice Zárate. The legal process will continue to unfold as he awaits processing and potential incarceration. The public can follow updates on this case through official channels of the Paraguayan judicial system and reputable news sources.
We will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available. Your thoughts and comments are welcome below.
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