Violence in Paraguay over constitutional amendment

Protesters fought with police in Paraguay Friday, March 31, over a controversial constitutional amendment.

The protesters broke through police lines, entered Congress, and set fires to papers and furniture.

The Senate approved an amendment allowing the president to run for a second five-year term. This would affect sitting President Horacio Cartes and any past president who decided to run again.

The ruling Colorado party united with some opposition parties to pass the amendment, which Senate President Roberto Acevedo of the opposition Authentic Radical Liberal Party said was passed by an illegal process.

Acevedo has filed an appeal with the Paraguay Supreme Court to reverse the vote.

The amendment now goes to the Chamber of Deputies, where it is expected to pass.

After that, the amendment will be subject to a national referendum.