The journalist thinks the attack was in retaliation for comments he made about the involvement of various women in the ruling party's electoral campaign.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 13 March 2010, Carlos Valverde Bravo, presenter of the program “Sin Letra Chica”, broadcasted by the Activa TV cable television network, showed images of a beating he suffered at the hands of two men. Valverde accused Gloria Limpias, organizer of the Miss Bolivia beauty pageant, of being behind the attack, which he assumed to be retaliation for comments that he made about the “misses'” involvement in the electoral campaign of President Evo Morales’ ruling party. The events took place in Santa Cruz de la Sierra.
A security camera filmed the attack against Valverde, who was hit on the head by the men.
The presenter stated that the attackers identified themselves as Gloria Limpias’ brothers. As they hit him, they berated him for allegedly using his program to accuse the beauty pageant organizer of running a prostitution ring.
According to witnesses, Gloria Limpias herself arrived at the scene a few minutes later.
Valverde clarified that he did not accuse Limpias of any such thing, although he admitted to having stated that she is the person who “places” women with presidents. He also recalled that in 1996, Helga Bauer, who was then Miss Bolivia, accused Limpias’ company of procuring women for politicians.
Gloria Limpias stated during a press conference that the men who beat up Valverde are her brothers. However, she denied that she had sent them to hit the journalist.
Both parties announced they have filed lawsuits in court, with Valverde accusing Limpias of instigating violence and aggression, and Limpias accusing the journalist of slander and defamation.
