Police Commissioner Errecarte strikes protesters with baton outside Congress in Asunción
Police Commissioner Gustavo Errecarte was captured on video striking protesters with his baton during demonstrations by Ueno Bank savings account holders in Asunción. The incident reignited previous criticism and allegations against the uniformed officer.
Police commissioner filmed striking protesters during savings account holders' demonstration in Asunción
According to elnacional.com.py, Senior Police Commissioner Gustavo David Errecarte came under scrutiny again following the release of images showing him striking protesters with his baton in the vicinity of the National Congress during Thursday mobilisations in central Asunción.
The protests were led mainly by savings account holders and those affected by the Ueno Bank crisis, who were demanding answers and the return of their funds. During the clashes there were reports of pushing, striking and the deployment of tear gas. Seven people were detained, including a minor, and several were injured.
The director of the Asunción Police, General Police Commissioner Francisco Ávalos, defended the operation and stated that officers acted in accordance with the force-use protocol. In statements to the media, Ávalos argued that agents intervene when protesters attempt to evade established checkpoints and that the Police are neither there to attack anyone nor to be attacked. His explanations, however, generated further questions in light of images showing the strikes delivered by Errecarte.
The commissioner's name had already appeared in previous episodes of violence during police operations. Senator Rafael Filizzola publicly questioned his continued service and mentioned the antecedents and allegations against the uniformed officer.
Among the cases on record is a complaint filed in September 2025 by protester Óscar Nicolás Palavecino, who accused Errecarte of alleged bodily harm in the exercise of public duties, unlawful deprivation of liberty and theft, following an operation during Generation Z mobilisations.
In April 2025, Errecarte was accused alongside other uniformed officers of alleged acts of violence during a demonstration outside the Palace of Justice, as part of a tribute to Rodrigo Quintana.
The new images have renewed the debate over the procedures of the National Police, the proportional use of force and the oversight mechanisms for agents responsible for security during citizen demonstrations.
Source: Google News PY — Asunción