Radio Host Attacked On-Air: Journalist Fernando Vidal Set On Fire During Broadcast In Bolivia

Fernando Vidal, a radio host for a Bolivian station was set on fire during a broadcast. Four masked men poured gasoline and set Vidal on fire. Studio technician, Karen Anza who was in the studio at the time was also attacked and injured. The Radio host is severely burned but is recovering form his injures on his face, chest, and arms.

The attacks on the 78-year-old man may have been politically motivated. According to his son-in-law, Esteban Farfan believes that the attacked stemmed from Vidal's harsh criticism on-air about the provincial government. Three Bolivian radio have been attacked by dynamite this year,Radio Emisora Bolivia, Radio Vanguardia and Radio Cumbre. 

The three me involved of the brutal attack have been captured, but the fourth is still at large. Witnesses believe that the man have been carrying Molotov cocktails. An investigation is still to be launched within the interior ministry of Bolivia.

Special Adviser to Amnesty International said, "This chilling attack is one of the worst instances of violence against journalists in Bolivia in recent years. The Bolivian authorities' investigation into the incident must be independent and impartial and those responsible must be brought to justice without delay. The recent Plurinational Constitutional Court decision to strike contempt from the country's Criminal Code is a positive step, but yesterday's attack show that freedom of expression - including freedom of the press - remains under attack in Bolivia."