Journalist alleges police brutality during fire coverage in Paraguay

Journalist Lorenzo Villalba has accused Paraguayan police of brutality during his coverage of a fire at the Nápoles nightclub in Asunción. Villalba, who lives near the venue, said he went to document the scene after noticing the smoke and the evacuation of residents.

He reported that police became agitated when he approached a detained individual to inquire about the fire and his arrest. According to Villalba, an officer ordered him to stop recording, and when he refused, citing democratic rights, another officer confiscated his phone and ordered his detention.

Villalba described being forcibly subdued by three officers, thrown to the ground, and handcuffed. He claims the handcuffs were improperly applied, causing injuries to his wrists. At the police station, he alleges he was kicked and pushed down stairs, resulting in further pain and injuries to his face, wrists, and arms.

Police later released Villalba, explaining his detention was for allegedly obstructing a police procedure. He signed documents to secure his release, stating he just wanted to leave. Villalba expressed deep humiliation and lamented the perceived hostility towards journalists, vowing to take further action.