Silvana Núñez was assaulted by the mayor of Chala, Agustín Condori, after she videotaped him drinking in a restaurant during working hours.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 3 October 2011, journalist Silvana Núñez, a video reporter for several radio and TV programs, was assaulted by the mayor of the Chala district, Agustín Condori. The mayor was furious at having been discovered drinking in a restaurant in the district, which is located in the Arequipa region of southern Peru.
The reporter videotaped the mayor drinking beer with his wife and some acquaintances during working hours. When she asked him what he was drinking, Condori responded by slapping and hitting her in the face. Several television stations broadcast the resulting images, which also showed the mayor using a government vehicle.
According to statements made by the journalist, which were posted on the Internet, she reported the assault to the local police and insisted before prosecutor Percy Chalco that, in view of the evidence, he should have submitted a request for the mayor’s alcohol level to be tested, but he refused to do so.
According to a medical examiner’s report, Núñez was badly bruised on her neck and face, such that it was impossible for her to eat. She has been advised to go for x-ray testing.
The journalist has been targeted in the past. In April 2010, while she was working for Radio Power in Chala, she was assaulted by striking miners.
IPYS condemns the attack on the journalist, especially considering that her assailant holds public office.
