Ambassador of Ecuador indicted for alleged assault in Peru

The alleged attack of Ecuador’s ambassador in Peru, Rodrigo Riofrio, on two women in a supermarket in the Lima district of Magdalena, occurred  on April 21, has caused controversy in social networks and expulsion requests from the Peruvian Congress.

Rodrigo Riofrio

Cristina Castro, alleged victim of Riofrio, reported in the Dia-D program, broadcasted on Sunday night, that she and her daughter were insulted and beaten by the ambassador and a woman that was accompanying him while doing some shopping in a supermarket in Magdalena.

According to Castro, when they were in line and was to be attended, Riofrio claimed she did not respect the line and that he was first. Then Castro told the cashier to attend him first. “But the man did not stop there, he began saying: These are the Peruvians, these ignorant Peruvians, that’s why this country is not progressing, is full of Indigenous,” said the lady.

Castro also said that her daughter intervened to complain and that the discussion ended in an exchange of blows. She said that Riofrio “kicked and punched her on the ground”.

Cristina Castro

On his behalf, Ambassador Riofrio Machuca denied having offended the people of Peru with any expression, but he did say: “I publicly apologize to all Peruvian people over such an unwanted situation, which was not my fault.”

Moreover he also said that “the incident” was given over a physical assault he and a family member received, “to which we only reacted by defending ourselves.”

Furthermore, Ecuadorian authorities pronounced today about the shameful actions of the Ecuadorian ambassador.

Through Twitter, Foreign Minister Ricardo Patiño regretted the incident and was willing to listen to the necessary versions of what happened. Ecuadorian Deputy Foreign Minister, Marco Albuja will travel to Lima this afternoon to discuss the issue.