The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned a wave of violence against media workers in Peru, after at least 18 attacks were recorded during demonstrations on September 20–21 at Lima’s Plaza San Martín. Most assaults were carried out by police, according to the National Association of Journalists (ANP).
The ANP’s Press Freedom Observatory reported that 16 of the attacks were perpetrated by police officers, while one came from civilians and another from unidentified individuals who disabled three journalists’ phones before they could begin reporting. Victims included reporters from at least seven media outlets as well as independent journalists.
In a public statement, the ANP expressed solidarity with those injured while covering the protests and strongly denounced the “excessive and disproportionate measures” used by Peru’s National Police. The organization has called for independent investigations and sanctions against officers who violated established protocols.