Paraguayan Senator Celeste Amarilla is weighing legal action against French football star Kylian Mbappé, accusing him of defamation and slander after he publicly condemned her racist remarks. Her attorney, Guillermo Duarte Cacavelos, told Le Parisien that if charges are filed and accepted by Paraguayan courts, Mbappé could face up to three years in prison, potentially triggering extradition proceedings under the treaty between France and Paraguay.
Background of the Controversy
The dispute stems from comments Amarilla made following the World Cup match between France and Paraguay on July 4. She questioned Mbappé's French identity and used language widely condemned as racist. Mbappé responded by calling her a "despicable woman unworthy of her office." French prosecutors have since launched an investigation into Amarilla's remarks for aggravated public insults based on origin, ethnicity, or race, which carries a penalty of up to one year in prison and a €45,000 fine.
Legal Strategy and Extradition Treaty
Duarte Cacavelos explained that any legal action against Mbappé depends on the outcome of the French investigation. "If those proceedings continue, the senator will take the appropriate legal measures," he said. The attorney noted that the maximum sentence of three years for defamation in Paraguay meets the threshold for extradition under the bilateral treaty. He also suggested Mbappé could be summoned to testify before Paraguayan authorities.
Amarilla's Defense and Political Fallout
Amarilla has refused to retract her statements, arguing they were protected by freedom of expression. Her lawyer emphasized that she spoke as a private citizen and football fan, not as a state representative. "She spoke in her personal capacity, as a private citizen and supporter of the national team, not on behalf of the Paraguayan state or in her role as a public official," Duarte Cacavelos said. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly supported Mbappé, calling the attacks racist. Paraguayan President Santiago Peña distanced himself from Amarilla, stating her remarks do not reflect Paraguay's values.
