Libertad Popular (Popular Freedom) presidential pre-candidate Rafael Belaunde on Wednesday said the
"I do not want to speculate on whether this has a political nature or not; that is why I instructed that there be no political publicity at this time. I do not want one thing to be mixed with the other," he stated at a press conference held this morning.
The former minister indicated that he has not received any threats.
Belaunde said the attack he was a victim of could have been an attempted robbery, noting that it is part of the insecurity problem affecting all Peruvians.
"We are all victims of public insecurity, and I believe that it is also everyone’s responsibility to be part of the solution. It means, we must act and defend ourselves; we cannot normalize a situation that has cornered families, Peruvians, especially those who have the least," he stated.
The pre-candidate indicated that what happened will not deter him from continuing his political activities.
The former minister said that he will not request anything beyond what is already planned for his personal security.
Belaunde added that he will not make any "political proclamation" as a result of the incident.
"No. I would have to be deterred from continuing with my business, from traveling across Peru (…) which means one cannot normalize what is happening. I believe we must resist, rebel, defend ourselves, and support the National Police," Belaunde said when asked if the attack would discourage him from continuing his electoral campaign.
"I will not request anything that is not provided for by the regulations. If every micro-entrepreneur needed security, there would not be enough personnel for that. Those of us who can defend ourselves and organize must do so; I will not ask for anything exceptional," he underlined.
Moreover, the businessman reiterated his gratitude to the National Police for acting diligently in this case.
The presidential pre-candidate also said he hopes his weapon will be returned after the ballistic tests.
Belaunde detailed that when he was attacked yesterday, he drew his weapon to defend himself and fired the seven or eight rounds it contained.