Brutal attack on Bolivian journalist

Fernando Vidal (before and after the attack)

Fernando Vidal, Bolivian journalist, owner and director of Radio Popular in southern town of Yacuiba (Bolivia), was burned on Monday by unknown assailants while driving a station program.

According to statements by Esteban Farfan, Popular Radio journalist, four people with their faces covered with masks entered the radio, poured gasoline on Vidal, 78, and station equipments and lit the fire.

Vidal is currently in intensive care in a hospital for having suffered third degree burns to the head, chest, stomach and arms.

According to Farfan, Vidal would have been very critical with politicians in the province of Chaco, which belongs to the jurisdiction of the Tarija department.

The attack against journalist generated sentences from international organizations such as the Inter American Press Association (IAPA), International Amnesty and the United Nations, which called on the Bolivian government to clarify the fact, bring justice and punish those responsible of the act. (MZ)