Carlos Monja Timaná, presenter of the Radio Limón program "El Investigador", was attacked by two individuals, one of whom allegedly works for the Olmos district municipality.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 10 January 2012, Carlos Monja Timaná, presenter of the Radio Limón program “El Investigador”, denounced that he was attacked by two individuals, one of whom allegedly works for the Olmos district municipality. The journalist has been very critical of the mayor of this district, Willy Serrato Puse. The incident occurred in the Lambayeque region of northern Peru.
Monja told IPYS that he was punched by one of the subjects in broad daylight, while the other one prevented him from fleeing. Several witnesses identified his attackers as José Torres Vilela, allegedly a laborer who works for the municipality of Olmos, and Víctor Oyola Martínez, a local resident.
According to a medical examination, the journalist suffered contusions. Monja filed a formal complaint at the Olmos police station, where he was informed that his alleged aggressors have been summoned on two occasions but have not appeared. If they do not attend after a third summons, the documentation will be handed over to the district prosecutor’s office.
Monja believes the attack could be linked to his constant criticisms of Serrato, as he has also been receiving harassing phone calls and has been mocked by people who are close to the mayor. He noted that Radio Limón is currently off the air after suffering some suspect damages. On the other hand, in a notarized letter the mayor of Olmos denied having ordered the attack against the journalist.
