Renzo Santana and Juan Carlos Vera were assaulted while covering a demonstration in front of a law firm's offices.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 26 January 2011, Renzo Santana, a reporter for the Panamericana Television station’s “24 Horas” news programme, and Juan Carlos Vera, a cameraman for the same station’s “Panorama” programme, were physically assaulted. The incident took place in the San Isidro district of the city of Lima, the capital of Peru.
The assault occurred when a group of reporters was covering a demonstration by alleged fraud victims in front of the Orellana Rengifo law firm’s offices. During the demonstration, Santana and Vera were attacked by a group of about 30 people, most of whom were women, allegedly hired by the law firm. Vera was struck in the face by a rock. Santana was also wounded in the face.
On 23 January, “Panorama” broadcast a news item alleging that the law firm of attorney Rodolfo Orellana Rengifo (Estudio Orellana Rengifo) may have close ties to a criminal organisation involved in illegal land deals and money laundering.
IPYS condemns these actions against journalists who were carrying out their duties and calls on the authorities to conduct a full investigation.
