18:03 | Cusco (Cusco region), Jan. 13.
Six tourists —four males and two females from different countries— were arrested Sunday accused of entering the
Inca citadel of Machu Picchu illegally, provoking the fall of a stone, and defecating within the site.
According to Peruvian National Police (PNP) Colonel Wilbert Leyva, head of the Cusco regional unit, the visitors were taken to the
Machu Picchu police station to be investigated by the Public Ministry for the crime of destroying cultural heritage.
Wardens and police officers conducted the intervention at the Temple of the Sun viewpoint Sunday at 5:50 AM.
The group included tourists from Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and France.
According to the Decentralized Culture Directorate of Cusco (DDCC), there is evidence of damage to a lithic artifact, which came off a wall, falling from a height of around six meters, thus causing a crack on the ground. Besides, fecal material was found in the place.
The head of the National Archaeological Park of Machu Picchu Jose Bastante demanded that the corresponding investigations be carried out as soon as possible to determine the responsibility of the individuals and, where appropriate, punish those responsible, based on the legislation in force.
The arrested tourists are Favian Eduardo Vera Vergara (Chile, age: 30); Marion Lucie Martinez (France, age: 26); Cristiano da Silva Ribiero (Brazil, age: 30); Magdalena Abril Retamal (Argentina, age: 20); Leandro Sactiva (Argentina, age: 32); and Nahuel Gomez (Argentina, age: 28).
(END) PHS/MAO/RMB/MVB
Published: 1/13/2020