Ombudsman condemns "strongly" attack on journalist Paola Ugaz by the PNP

After the attack suffered by the journalist Paola Ugaz by the National Police of Peru (PNP)while covering another day of the protests in the center of Lima, the Ombudsman expressed itself in this regard and “strongly” condemned the fact happened the last Saturday February 4th. In addition, he urged that journalistic work be respected.

“We strongly condemn the attack suffered by Paola Ugaz and other journalists, in demonstrations today (Saturday). We urge law enforcement to respect journalistic work, as well as to guarantee their work, which is essential for the formation of a free public opinion,” their Twitter account read.

Paola Ugaz told this journalistic outlet that the event happened when a group of protesters, accompanied by journalists who covered the marchmade its route near Grau avenue and, later, law enforcement officers fired tear gas to disperse them. This, despite the fact that the men and women of the press identified themselves as journalists.

“People start running from the tear gas and I stand in a corner. I take out my credential, and why did I take out my credential. The guy pushed me against the wall, he hit my head, the left side of my chest and my back. They have kicked other colleagues that I don’t know, but they were identified as journalists. Two ladies have pulled me and saved me,” he told The Republic.

At another time, Ugaz narrated that he did not witness acts of violence during the demonstrationsbut he observed “people demonstrating calmly, making music”.