The International Association of Art Critics (AICA International), wishes to express its deep concern and protest at the recent conviction of cultural manager Sebastián Coronel, head of the independent space La Chispa in Asunción.
We find it unacceptable that Coronel has been sentenced to nine months in prison for alleged noise-related violations. A sentence of this magnitude is disproportionate and ridiculous, and demonstrates a punitive use of justice against cultural activity.
La Chispa has, for years, been a fundamental place for the circulation of ideas, the practice of contemporary art, and civic engagement in Paraguay. Sebastián Coronel's work is framed within the defence of freedom of expression, cultural diversity, and basic human rights, values that also constitute the core of our mission as an international association.
The conviction against Coronel cannot be read in isolation: it is part of a growing pattern of pressure and sanctions against cultural leaders, artists, and independent spaces around the world. These measures threaten not only artistic freedom, but also the democratic health of societies.
We therefore demand that the Paraguayan authorities urgently review this conviction, respecting the fundamental guarantees of due process and freedom of expression. The persecution and criminalization of cultural actors is unacceptable and contradicts Paraguay's international human rights commitments.
AICA International stands in solidarity with Sebastián Coronel and the entire Paraguayan artistic and cultural community. We will continue to publicly denounce any violation of artistic freedom and call for dialogue with institutions to find solutions that strengthen, rather than weaken, the country's cultural fabric.
Malgorzata Kazmierczak, President of AICA Internacional
Niilofur Farrukh, Chair of the Censorship and Freedom of Expression Committee
This statement is also available in Spanish.