The vendors, who were protesting against a plan to restore public spaces in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, assaulted several journalists with sticks and stones.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 9 June 2010, street vendors in Santa Cruz de la Sierra attacked several journalists with sticks and stones.
The vendors were protesting outside the municipality’s offices against a plan for the revitalisation of public spaces. They surrounded the building and attacked the journalists who were covering the event.
The following journalists were wounded: Jesús Vaca, camera operator for Canal 13 Red Uno; Luís Arias, Félix Limache and Bismarck Ávila, camera operators for the Unitel network; journalist Róger Ramos, of Unitel; photographers Regis Montero, of the “El Día” newspaper, and Ricardo Montero, of the “El Deber” newspaper.
IPYS and the National Press Association (ANP) condemn these actions, which restrict the free exercise of journalism.
