A district mayor in Peru allegedly burst into a radio presenter’s booth during a live broadcast on Thursday, physically attacking the presenter and damaging his equipment, the Lima-based media freedom monitor, Instituto Prensa y Sociedad (IPYS), reported on Friday.
The mayor, Ángel Adrián Palomino Ramos of the Ica region’s Pachacutec district, was apparently annoyed by ‘Radio La Achirina’ journalist Henry Lovera’s reporting of allegations that Palomino Ramos had used public money to buy artwork for one of his private businesses.
According to IPYS, Palomino Ramos forced his way into Lovera’s booth, insulted the journalist, and then struck him in the chest and face.
Palomino Ramos also damaged the reporter’s microphone.
Lovera has filed a complaint with the relevant authorities.
“Aggression against a journalist for carrying out his or her work must not be allowed to go unpunished,” said IPI Deputy Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. “The police must investigate this assault thoroughly, and if it is proven that Palomino Ramos committed this attack, his position as mayor must not shield him from justice.”