The two journalists were wounded while covering a protest at the central bus station in the city of Mérida.
(IPYS/IFEX) – On 9 April 2010, Alexander Hernández, photojournalist for the “Frontera” newspaper, and Iván Alexander Barrios, photographer for the “Diario de los Andes” newspaper, were wounded while covering a protest at the central bus station, José Antonio Paredes, in the city of Mérida, in the state of Mérida, western Venezuela.
Citizens and employees of the city municipality were protesting against the government’s decision to transfer the station’s administration to the state government. Léster Rodríguez, the mayor, opposes the central government.
When the governor’s delegation arrived at the station to proceed with the change of administration, there was a confrontation between the demonstrators. The ensuing scuffle was suppressed by the Mérida riot police.
Hernández was wounded by a shot from a pellet gun. Barrios suffered a dislocated right shoulder caused by police officers who were supposed to be keeping the peace.
Barrios was aided by firemen and transferred to a Social Security hospital.
