Venezuelan Opposition Protestors Attack Reporters, Army Officer

Opposition protestors attack an official of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces (FANB). | Photo: Contrapunto

Violent opposition protestors attacked a member of the National Bolivarian Armed Forces (FANB) as well as two journalists, in the affluent Caracas borough of Chacao Wednesday.

A small group set up a guarimba, a violent street barricade at around 2 p.m. local time, after a demonstration to one year since right wing leader Leopoldo Lopez's was arrested for inciting violence that killed 43 people.

The military official was attacked by a group of the protestors, who surrounded the unarmed official, repeatedly punching him in the head. A store employee where the military official was attacked tried to close the store to protect the man.

Outside the store, the National Guard formed a line at the corner and many of the protestors fled the scene.

At nearly 4 pm, the protestors returned to the barricade. The Bolivarian National Police dispersed the crowd, many of whom threw stones at the authorities.

Meanwhile, the Venezuelan Public Ministry is investigating the attacks against journalist Jean Carlos Corrales Mendoza and cameraman Leonardo de Leon Gonzalez from Zurda Konducta, a youth-oriented television show on state television, as they were filming today's right wing protests.

According to preliminary reports, the crew was covering the demonstration when a group of people began to chase and throw bottles, sticks and stones toward them.

The police immediately came to the aid of the television crew who were injured with blunt objects.

Last year’s opposition violence left 43 dead, hundreds injured and millions of dollars in damages to public property. Victims and their families continue to demand justice for what happened.

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