“Draw Attention in an Abnormal Way”: Police Explain Action Outside Cartes’ Home

Paraguayan police said two Patria Querida figures were detained during a protest outside former President Horacio Cartes’ residence after refusing to move away from the home’s entrance and identify themselves.

Asunción police director Commissioner Francisco Ávalos said about 10 people went to the residence on Avenida España. Officers asked the demonstrators to move to another part of the sidewalk, away from residential entrances and from areas that could obstruct people entering or leaving.

Ávalos said the protesters wanted to stand in front of the gates to Cartes’ home. When they refused to move, officers repeated the request and then asked them to provide identification. “They were asked for identification, and I think that was where the main problem arose. They became upset and began pushing and shoving. They practically resisted the intervention, which is why they were taken to the police station,” he said.

“

They were asked for identification, and I think that was where the main problem arose. They became upset and began pushing and shoving. They practically resisted the intervention, which is why they were taken to the police station.

Councilman Pablo Callizo and municipal candidate Sebastián Garay disputed the police account. Garay said the demonstrators had not stood in front of the entrance or refused to identify themselves. He described the action as a peaceful sidewalk protest and said he and Callizo were arrested violently simply for demonstrating outside the former president’s residence.

Ávalos said police had evidence supporting their version. He also said this was the group’s second attempt to occupy the same location, which he attributed to a desire to gain media attention “in an abnormal way.” Asked to clarify the phrase, he said the protesters had been asked to use another area where no home entrance was located.

“

in an abnormal way