The pre-presidential candidate for Avanza País, Phillip Butters was attacked in Puno after giving an interview on Radio Decana de Juliaca, the police presence being necessary to prevent a mob from attacking him.
This happened after a thorny interview with Fernando Salas and César Quispe, who complained about the comments that Butters made in 2023.
After the altercation, the Avanza País pre-candidate was showered with blunt objects as he left the radio headquarters, which could have endangered his integrity. Afterwards, in an interview in Combutters, he explained what happened.
“They told us that there were two drivers, two more appeared who were neither drivers nor journalists, but rather agitators. I spent the interview trying to understand their positions and explain mine. The problem is that these gentlemen already came with a preconceived agenda of violence and we are people of ideas,” he said.
The interview became tense, so he decided to leave, although a mob was waiting for him outside the cabin and hurled insults at him.
“There are people who unfortunately still consider that one should defend their ideas by throwing stones, attacking or trying to kill others.“Butters commented on this.
“Mrs. Guadalupe, who in theory hosted the program, summons these gentlemen who it turns out have a string of accusations regarding issues that violate the law. While there I answered their questions and not their insults. From there they have summoned people, the images are compelling. If the Police didn’t bring a helmet for me, they would break my head several times“he continued.
In that sense, Butters indicated that these acts, shortly before the 2026 General Elections, are an attempt to intimidate.
“This is an act that is intended to intimidate, not only me, but other candidates. Peru cannot give in to violent blackmail. I don’t dispute the right to protest, but in no way does that mean throwing stones at people. “If they had entered, as they intended, this would have constituted a more forceful crime,” he said.
RECOMMENDED VIDEO
