(IPYS/IFEX) – On 1 May 2006, Associated Press photographer Santiago Llanquín and Danny Alveal, a photographer for the newspaper “Las Últimas Noticias”, were wounded by persons while they were covering a march organized by the workers’ union Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) to commemorate May Day in Santiago de Chile. According to witnesses, the aggression […]
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 1 May 2006, Associated Press photographer Santiago Llanquín and Danny Alveal, a photographer for the newspaper “Las Últimas Noticias”, were wounded by persons while they were covering a march organized by the workers’ union Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT) to commemorate May Day in Santiago de Chile. According to witnesses, the aggression resulted from the fact that reporters and cameramen were present to record the violence and looting that broke out during the demonstration. The attackers also destroyed the media vehicles of four TV channels and stole Mega television channel’s equipment.
Llanquín was hit with what seemed to be a piece of plastic in the upper part of his left cheekbone, which resulted in a deep cut. Alveal received a head wound when he was hit by a rock, but he was not severely hurt.
According to information provided by other reporters, the attackers threw heavy objects at the photographers and cameramen who were trying to record the violence.
Special forces of the police (Carabineros) brought the situation under control after a confrontation of several minutes. According to official declarations, the police detained 70 people who were suspected of being responsible for the attacks.
