YACUIBA, Bolivia (PNN) - October 30, 2012 - A Bolivian radio presenter was set on fire by four masked men while hosting his show in the southern city of Yacuiba.
Radio Popular journalist Fernando Vidal, 78, is being treated for burns after his attackers broke into the studio, poured petrol over him and set him alight.
Studio technician Karen Anza was also injured in the attack, which eyewitnesses claim involved Molotov cocktails.
His son-in-law, Esteban Farfan, says Vidal suffered burns to his face, arms and chest.
Three people have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack.
According to relatives, Vidal was reporting on smuggling in the border area when the attack occurred - Yacuiba is less than two miles from the Argentina border.
Vidal and other journalists had recently been criticizing an increase in smuggling, with particular regard to liquid petroleum gas.
Farfan believes the attack was politically motivated although thug cops have not commented.
He said Vidal had spoken out against the provincial government live on the air.
The interior ministry of Bolivia said they will be carrying out an “accelerated and rigorous investigation”.
This is not the first time a Bolivian radio station has come under fire in previous months.
In June, three dynamite attacks on local stations were made - at Radio Emisora Bolivia, Radio Vanguardia, and Radio Cumbre.
