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Alert

Smugglers beat up camera operator in Oruro

(RSF/IFEX) - RSF has voiced outrage over the physical attack on camera operator Freddy Calderón, of ATB Canal 9 television, who was beaten up by a gang of smugglers in the western city of Oruro on 22 July 2005.

"We condemn this use of violence against a journalist who was just doing his job," the organisation said. "We also deplore the passivity of the police and we hope a thorough investigation will both lead to the arrest of his attackers and shed light on the attitude of the police in this case."

The incident occurred when a truck reportedly loaded with contraband crashed as it approached a roundabout on Oruro's Dehene Avenue at high speed. Among the many people who witnessed the accident and gathered around the truck was Calderón, who took out his camera and began filming.

The online newspaper "La Patria" said the smugglers began throwing stones at Calderón when they noticed he was filming. He tried to run, but they caught him, threw him to the ground, grabbed his videocassette and kicked him repeatedly until one of the smugglers ordered the others to stop.

"La Patria" said customs agents arrived at the scene shortly after the accident took place, but police were very slow to join them. This gave the smugglers time to remove their contraband goods from the truck, place the goods in taxis and carry out their attack on Calderón without hindrance.

Calderón, who sustained many bruises in the attack, was examined by a forensic doctor and told to take a week off work. His work stoppage may be extended after x-rays have been examined.