Alejandro Aguinaga, the secretary of the Senate Justice and Human Rights Commission, struck a technical advisor on the arm with the palm of his hand during a legislative session on September 10.
The incident took place inside the session room in full view of the other members of the commission.
The physical altercation occurred while the Fuerza Popular congressman was delivering an address to the room. At the same time, the worker was coordinating with the president of the commission, Katherine Ampuero of the Renovación Popular party.
Normal commission dynamics
The worker who was struck by the lawmaker is part of the technical team that provides direct support to the directive board of the commission.
His specific task at the time of the incident was to pass information to Ampuero while Aguinaga had the floor. This type of coordination and communication is a normal and routine dynamic during sessions of the Senate commissions.
Following the physical blow, Aguinaga addressed Ampuero in an angry tone. He told the commission president that the situation was totally inappropriate.
The congressman then issued a direct warning, stating that the advisor had to learn to respect.
Political background
Alejandro Aguinaga is a veteran political figure in Peru and a prominent member of Fuerza Popular, the major conservative political party founded and led by Keiko Fujimori. The party holds significant influence within the national legislature.
Renovación Popular, the party of commission president Katherine Ampuero, is another prominent conservative force in Peruvian politics.
The Justice and Human Rights Commission is a key legislative working group within the Senate. The Senate serves as the upper chamber of the Congress of Peru, operating alongside the Chamber of Deputies following a return to a bicameral legislative system.
The technical staff and advisors working in these congressional commissions are responsible for the administrative and procedural operations that allow the elected lawmakers to conduct their legislative duties and hearings efficiently.
