Approximately 30 individuals, led by the leader of the Venezuelan Popular Unity party, which supports President Hugo Chávez, attacked the Globovisión television station's headquarters.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 3 August 2009, approximately 30 individuals attacked the Globovisión television station’s headquarters. They were led by Lina Ron, the leader of the Venezuelan Popular Unity party (UPV), which supports President Hugo Chávez. The attackers, who wore red berets and carried UPV banners, used firearms to force the station’s main door open and subdue the security personnel. Once inside they threw two teargas canisters, one of which was directed towards the station’s news programme studio.
Four people were affected by the teargas: Fabiana Schaell, a pregnant station employee who fainted; Emiliana Voss, a security guard; José Peña, Globovisión’s security supervisor; and Maira Rodríguez, a Metropolitan Police officer who was hit on the head by an object.
The Metropolitan Police force provides protection to the television station in compliance with measures recommended by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
Globovisión filed a complaint regarding the attack with National Attorney General’s Office.
