THREE  SEX WORKERS were hospitalized due to injuries received from police during a peaceful demonstration on Friday, June 2, says the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman's Office, which was present  has criticized the actions taken by police when at least 15 people were arrested while conducting a demonstration outside police headquarters in Ancón.

Members of  several groups were protesting over accusations  made by sex workers about abuses committed against them by police officers.

In a statement, the Ombudsman's Office said  that the event was organized to deliver a letter addressed to Police Director Omar Pinzon to demand a halt to the abuses.

Staff from the office were at the event and witnessed the events.

Three people were hospitalized due to injuries they received during the protest at the hands of police.

"As an institution of human rights, we remind the authorities, and especially the National Police, that it is their

constitutional duty to protect and serve the citizens and to allow the full exercise of the right to peaceful

demonstration," the office said.