About IFEX:

News by region:

IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy:

IFEX Email Products:

Opportunities and assistance:

Alert

Radio journalist in Huánuco region hit and threatened by municipal official after broadcasting allegations of mayor's corruption

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 14 November 2007, journalist Jhon Rupay Machaguay was hit and threatened by Gustavo Sotomayor Quipusco, municipal manager of the district of Mariano Dámaso Berún, in the province of Leoncio Prado, Huánuco region, central Peru. Rupay hosts the Radio FM 98 programme "La Verdad en la Noticia".

The assailant attempted to snatch away some documents from the journalist which, allegedly, implicate the mayor, Freddy Fernández, in acts of corruption. When he failed in that attempt, he hit the journalist and threatened him, warning that if he continued with his accusations he would face the consequences.

Rupay Machaguay told IPYS that the assault was in response to his broadcasting of allegations that the mayor is corrupt.

The journalist filed a complaint before prosecutor Elia Garay Basilio. He also asked the local government to ensure that he and his family are protected.

The district's mayor has been suspended by the district councillors after having been accused of corruption.