During a public speech, the governor of the Madre de Dios Region instigated a group of violent protesters to attack journalist Lincer Tuanama. The incident occurred in the main square of the city of Puerto Maldonado, in southeastern Peru.
On November 27, 2015, Luis Otzuka, governor of Madre de Dios Region, put journalist Lincer Tuanama’s life in danger. Tuanama is the presenter and director of the program “Let’s Speak the Truth”, which airs on TV Tropical and Radio Ribereña. During a public speech, Otzuka instigated a group of violent protesters to attack the journalist. The incident occurred in the main square of the city of Puerto Maldonado, in southeastern Peru.
Images from INFOREGIÓN agency show that the journalist was surrounded by demonstrators who tried to intimidate him using verbal and physical violence after he had argued with the governor. According to IPYS, they also threatened to kill him.
The strikers have currently paralyzed the Madre de Dios region for the last week. They ask for the repeal of laws that control fuel with the intention of preventing it from being used by illegal miners.
Tuanama is critical of Otzuka’s administration and has reported in his program alleged acts of corruption committed by the governor and his entourage.
IPYS condemns the violent acts against Tuanama and demands that the governor of the region refrain from acts that seriously undermine freedom of information.
