Location: Peru, Lima
Date: March 18, 2022

Photographer for the Lima-based news magazine Caretas, Rina Solórzano was assaulted by supporters of President Pedro Castillo outside Peru’s Congress building, while reporting on the pro and anti-government demonstration taking place at the location. Several local press freedom groups and journalist unions have highlighted the anti-press sentiment routinely encouraged by the president and his party, with many believing the incident is a direct result of past conditioning and priming of the support base.

The incident took place on March 8, during a voting session held by the national legislative body to approve Castillo’s new cabinet. The political activity led to supporters of the sitting government as well as those of the opposition to gather outside the building in a show of political strength. At least five journalists including Rina suffered damage to person and property at the hands of citizens who were shouting pro-Castillo slogans. According to reports one of the supporters present in the pro-government rally attacked Rina with a glass bottle, and as the journalist tried to defend herself, others joined in to aid the attacker. They threw water on the journalists, pulled her hair, tore her pants and kicked her. 

Other journalists who were attacked on the site included Carlos Huamán, a camera operator for the Latina Noticias television station, John Reyes, a photographer for La República newspaper;  Diego Vertiz, a photographer for the newspaper Diario Uno and Gian Masko, a freelance photographer. Other than physical injuries caused, the attackers damaged Huamán’s camera and broke Reyes’ glasses. 

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is appalled at the extent to which supporters of the sitting government of Peru have been provoked against free press. These are worrying signs for the political culture of the country. Journalists should be allowed to cover major political developments and any attempts to intimidate or silence them should be discouraged by the state itself. Castillo’s political party, Partido Político Nacional Perú Libre, would do well to reach out to the support base to discourage this behavior, launch an investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to account.

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.