MAY 28, 2007
Posted June 7, 2007
Anuska Buenaluque, América TV
ATTACKED
Buenaluque, Caracas correspondent for the weekly news program “Cuarto Poder” on the Limaóbased América TV, was shot at least 25 times with rubber bullets while covering a student protest against the closure of the Venezuelan television station Radio Caracas Televisión (RCTV), according to press reports.
Buenaluque was covering one of several student protests in eastern Caracas on the afternoon of May 28. According to international press reports, local police sprayed tear gas and shot rubber bullets at protesters, who responded by throwing rocks and sticks. At least 20 people were injured, according to Venezuelan press reports.
Buenaluque told the Peruvian media that she was trying to leave the protest after police officers shoved her and shot rubber bullets at her feet. As she was leaving, however, police shot rubber bullets at her back and arms at least 25 times. According to press reports, the journalist was treated at a local hospital for minor injuries. Buenaluque told reporters that the cameraman who was accompanying her was uninjured.