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A dancer at a traditional festival who grabbed a Spanish tourist and forced her to give him a huge kiss on the mouth is facing prosecution.
The incident happened in the Paucartambo district of Cusco, in Peru, during the Virgen del Carmen festival, a major annual celebration that draws thousands of visitors.
Part of the festivities includes Qhapaq Qulla dancers in costume visiting the cemetery to honour deceased performers and community members, with many stopping for photos.
Footage shows the performer in a Qhapaq Qolla costume posing with the woman in the cemetery before suddenly pulling her towards him and kissing her on the mouth.
The woman steps back as onlookers react.
Prosecutors named the suspect as David Guevara Huarancca and said the case is being investigated as sexual assault, a crime punishable by three to six years in prison.
Cusco prosecutor Jose Manuel Mayorga Zarate said the victim, identified as Spanish national Alexia Fernandez, had given a virtual statement after leaving Peru and was now in Colombia.
He confirmed her account matched what was seen in the footage, adding: "It's not a courtesy kiss. It’s a kiss on the mouth, with a lewd or possibly sexual connotation."
Zarate said experts would examine the video to rule out digital manipulation or the use of artificial intelligence.
The Qhapaq Qulla Cultural Association has suspended Guevara and apologised to Fernandez, saying the alleged behaviour did not reflect its values.
The statement called the act "disrespect and a personal offence" and promised to apply any necessary sanctions once the investigation is complete.
(Mike Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: Mike Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Mike Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Angela Trajkovska
Byline Illustrator: Angela Trajkovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: Paucartambo,_Paucartambo
Subject: Tourism Business, Crime, Society
T4 Editor Story Rating: 6
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 6
T4 Total rating: 6
