(IPYS/IFEX) – On 29 February 2004, Felipe Izquierdo, a camera operator for the international television network Univisión, was shot while covering a demonstration by opposition supporters near Francia de Altamira plaza, in the eastern part of Caracas. Caracas fire department chief Rodolfo Briceño confirmed that Izquierdo was shot in the foot while he was covering […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 29 February 2004, Felipe Izquierdo, a camera operator for the international television network Univisión, was shot while covering a demonstration by opposition supporters near Francia de Altamira plaza, in the eastern part of Caracas.
Caracas fire department chief Rodolfo Briceño confirmed that Izquierdo was shot in the foot while he was covering a confrontation between National Guard officers and opposition demonstrators. Izquierdo was treated by the fire department’s ambulance service.
On the morning of 29 February, local residents erected barricades of logs, rocks and other materials erected barricades of logs, rocks and other materials and set fire to tires in the streets to protest against the government and stop a group of President Hugo Chávez’s supporters from holding a rally in the area.
A confrontation ensued when National Guard officers arrived and tried to clear the area. The demonstrators threw rocks and other objects at the officers, who responded with tear gas and by firing pellets. Gunshots were also fired from an unknown source. Izquierdo was injured during the confrontation.
Leopoldo López, mayor of Chacao municipality, where the plaza is located, said that eight people received gunshot wounds and more than 100 people were affected by tear gas during the incident.
