Several journalists were threatened by supporters of the Movimiento Esperanza Región Amazónica political party at the Maynas electoral office, in Loreto province.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 6 October 2010, several journalists were assaulted by Movimiento Esperanza Región Amazónica (MERA) political party militants at the Maynas electoral office, in Loreto province, northeastern Perú. Among those affected were Daniel Carbajal and Guadalupe Muñoz, of the “La República” newspaper, and Walter Ramírez, of the weekly “La Verdad”.
The journalists were covering a protest by MERA supporters who were alleging that fraudulent activities to favour the Fuerza Loretana party had been carried out during the elections. The protesters hurled insults and waved objects in a threatening manner at the reporters, while accusing their media outlets of distorting information to support Fuerza Loretana interests. The journalists fled the scene and were subsequently escorted by National Police officers.
The MERA leader in the region, Jorge Mera Ramírez, apologised for his party supporters’ behaviour during the demonstration and said he respects the work of journalists.
