Video: Police officer accused of assaulting motorcyclist during traffic stop in Asunción

A video capturing a police officer allegedly slapping a motorcyclist during a routine check in Asunción, Paraguay, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

The incident occurred on the evening of Monday, June 1, in the San Jerónimo neighborhood. The viral footage shows a uniformed officer striking the motorcyclist, identified as 31-year-old Diego Espínola, in the face. According to Espínola's partner, María Peralta, the couple was attempting to push their malfunctioning motorcycle to a nearby pharmacy when a police patrol car intercepted them.

Peralta claims the officer exhibited aggressive behavior from the outset. She stated that both she and Espínola complied with all police instructions and presented the required documentation. However, the situation escalated when the officer allegedly searched Espínola and took his cellphone and wallet without explanation. Peralta intervened to retrieve the items, at which point the physical assault, captured on video, took place.

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He never resisted, nor did he insult the officer.

"He never resisted, nor did he insult the officer," Peralta asserted, explaining they began recording due to the officer's conduct. She expressed the family's vulnerability following the video's circulation and demanded an investigation into the incident, seeking sanctions if irregularities are confirmed. "Stop normalizing violence," she urged.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Peralta revealed that third parties have contacted the family, reportedly representing the officer, to discuss a potential agreement. However, the family has rejected any such informal approach, preferring that the case proceed through the proper legal channels. They have since been summoned by the Ministry of Interior.

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Stop normalizing violence.