Local reporter shot while covering antigovernment protest

DECEMBER 5, 2006
Posted December 7, 2006

Wilman Caychigua Robles, El Chasqui and Radio Inca Tropical

ATTACKED

Caychigua, a reporter for the local daily El Chasqui and Radio Inca Tropical, was shot while covering an antigovernment protest in Abancay, capital of the Apurímac province, 298 miles (480 kilometers) south of Lima, reported the Peruvian press.

The reporter was wounded in the head and mouth, said his colleague Rubén Melgarejo Aguilar of Radio Láser, who was covering the demonstration with Caychigua. Caychigua was initially taken to a local hospital and then transferred to Lima, where he is in stable condition, said Melgarejo.

At least 3,000 protesters swarmed Abancay on Tuesday morning, calling for the ouster of Mayor Rosa Suárez Aliaga, according to press reports. Suárez had been accused of corruption, said the press. The protest turned violent when police sprayed pepper gas and fired gunshots at protesters who were trying to storm into the mayor’s office. Protesters responded hurling stones and bottles. At least 80 people including policemen were injured, reported the Lima-based daily El Comercio. On December 6, Peruvian President Alan García declared a state of emergency in Abancay.