Paraguay’s national police clash with LGBT activists as a meeting of the Organization of American States is about to get underway in the capital city of Asunción.
somosgay
At least 10 people were reportedly injured when police clashed with LGBT activists who were protesting against homophobia as the 44th General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) was about to get underway in Paraguay’s capital, Asunción, SDP Noticias reports.
The Washington Blade says the protesters were demonstrating against a decision by Paraguayan President Horacio Cartes to reject an OAS human rights proposal that calls for the recognition of diversity.
In a video posted by advocacy group Somosgay on YouTube, police in riot gear and bearing shields atempt to push back protesters carrying rainbow flags. Journalists on the scene appear to be among those being set upon by authorities. SDP Noticias says in its report that three reporters, Enrique Davalos, Noelia Diaz and Christian Nunez, were attacked.
As the OAS meeting got underway June 3, a large group of anti-gay demonstrators also showed up outside the hotel hosting the event.
A police spokesperson claims anti-homophobia protesters “became aggressive” and provoked the officers, but Sergio López of Somosgay says the demonstration was peaceful.
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