(IPYS/IFEX) – On 8 March 2008, journalist Guillermo Guevara, host of the “Contacto Informativo” programme, broadcast on La Voz del Rondero radio station, was assaulted by a woman, apparently a member of the Segunda and Cajas United Front (Frente de Unidad de Segunda y Cajas), who threw stones at him. The incident took place in […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 8 March 2008, journalist Guillermo Guevara, host of the “Contacto Informativo” programme, broadcast on La Voz del Rondero radio station, was assaulted by a woman, apparently a member of the Segunda and Cajas United Front (Frente de Unidad de Segunda y Cajas), who threw stones at him. The incident took place in the city of Huancabamba in Piura region, currently the scene of a serious conflict over large-scale mining.
A few days before the incident, the journalist had reported on a confrontation between community members who oppose the mining project and the Front’s leaders, who support it.
On 8 March, the journalist was walking along the street and happened to pass a building where the Front’s leaders meet. A woman came out to the street and insulted Guevara. She accused him of misinforming the population and threw stones at him. She then went to the police station to file a complaint against the journalist, claiming he had insulted her.
According to Guevara, he told the sheriff his version of events. The journalist told IPYS that at least one person witnessed the assault.
