Stalin Díaz was detained despite having told police that he had gone to an alleged illegal club to cover a story.
(Fundamedios/IFEX) – On 20 August 2011, “Expreso” newspaper photojournalist Stalin Díaz was detained by police officers during a raid on a club located in the center of Guayaquil.
According to Díaz, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a police squadron under the command of the Guayas Fifth Division police chief raided an alleged illegal club where approximately ten women who were purportedly engaged in prostitution were found, along with more than eight of their clients. During the raid, the police officers realised that someone was at the door and, upon opening it, found the journalist.
Díaz identified himself to the officers and explained that he was working on a report about the conditions at venues that air the national football championship on TV. The police commander in charge of the raid dismissed Díaz’s explanation and ordered his detention.
Díaz said he attempted to further explain his situation, but the officers would not listen and instead insulted his line of work.
The photojournalist was held until 8:00 p.m. He was finally released on orders issued by a senior police officer who heard about what had taken place. His release took place before a police report was filed.
