Peruvian Congressman Assaults Journalist on Camera, Drawing Outcry

September 30 – Peru – 

On September 29, 2025, tensions erupted in Puno, Peru, after Congressman Héctor Valer of the Somos Perú party physically and verbally attacked reporter Max Lanza. The clash occurred after Lanza challenged Valer over remarks he made classifying protest fatalities in 2022–2023 as “communists.”

Footage shared on social media captures the moment Valer reacts violently. Initially leaving the scene, the congressman returns and spits at the journalist before launching insults and pushing him. The aggressive behavior surprised many observers, especially in the setting of a public engagement.

Valer’s hostility appeared triggered by Lanza’s challenge to his narrative. After the journalist pressed him about characterizing protest victims in ideological terms, Valer exited under pressure. But angered, he reentered to further confront the reporter, resorting to spitting and demeaning comments.

The incident not only highlights the extreme risks journalists in Peru face but also illustrates the broader climate of hostility toward press freedom. Media rights groups have condemned Valer’s actions, saying that such attacks—especially by elected officials—undermine democratic norms and intimidate journalists from holding power to account.

This episode is symptomatic of a pattern: Peru has seen recurring instances of politicians physically or verbally targeting press figures when reporting becomes critical. Such hostility raises serious concerns about how safe journalists truly are when covering contentious political issues.

In response, many press freedom advocates have called for investigation and accountability. They argue that legislators should be held to higher standards of conduct—especially when they respond to journalistic scrutiny—rather than resorting to aggression.

Throughout Latin America, these kinds of confrontations between reporters and officials reflect deeper tensions: those in power sometimes resort to intimidation to silence challenging questions, eroding both individual safety and the institution of free reporting.

Reference – 

Peruvian congressman pushes, insults, and spits on journalist