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Alert

Demonstrators burst into state-owned radio station, interrupt its broadcast

(IPYS/IFEX) - On 9 November 2009, a group of disabled individuals who were demonstrating against the government burst into the premises of state-owned radio station Patria Nueva, in Santa Cruz. They threatened to attack the journalists who work at the station and they cut electricity cables forcing the station to suspend its broadcasting for two hours, according to journalist Jhenny Abiza.

Jaime Estívariz, a representative for the group, denied the radio station's accusations although he admitted that the demonstrators seized some government offices after breaking off their dialogue with the government.

Santa Cruz's Federation of Press Workers' Unions announced that a letter will be sent to the group of disabled persons requesting that they respect the work of the press and warning them that, if this kind of incident were to be repeated, they would take legal actions against their leaders.

Rodolfo Illanes, vice-minister of Employment, said that he will initiate proceedings against those responsible for the vandalism and attack on Patria Nueva.