'Poisoned Fields of Paraguay' Sparks Anger Among Ranchers

In Paraguay, leftist coalition Guasu Front president Carlos Filizzola Thursday condemned the cattle ranchers' union position to censure a documentary showing results of the use of toxic agrochemicals in the country's fields.

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Last week, cattle ranchers asked the European Union to withdraw the film "Poisoned Fields of Paraguay", produced by French journalist Martin Boudot, from the 12th European Film Season.

Businessmen claimed that the documentary represented "an external interference" and discredited this South American nation and its productive force. Filizzola described as "regrettable" ranchers' complaints, noting that the attitude recalled previous times in the country's history when censorship ruled. 

"There are people who may disagree... But other people did not see the film and we have to debate, not censor. Censorship is not a solution for anything at all," Filizzola said.

The film recounted the case of the Benitez family, which lost two minors, a six-month-old baby, and a three-year-old girl, under suspicion that the deaths occurred after exposure to agrochemicals. 

It also showed photos of the local hospital where 26 children and 7 adults needed medical assistance due to chemical intoxication. 

Samples taken in the San Juan municipality confirmed the presence of neurotoxic substances that can cause cancer or mutations in fetuses.