Brazil
Brazilian cameraman killed in anti-drug trafficking operationPosted Nov 9 2011
A Brazilian cameraman was shot and killed Sunday in Rio de Janeiro while covering an anti-drug trafficking police operation, according to an International Press Institute article.
Gelson Domingos da Silva, a reporter for TV Bandeirantes, was wearing a bullet-proof vest during the shooting but died in the ambulance on the way to the hospital after he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. The 46-year-old veteran crime photographer was crouching with his camera behind an officer during a firefight in the Antares favela.
The reporter’s death has spurred discussion on local blogs and media news organizations about the increasing danger crime reporters face in the region. As drug traffickers use more powerful firearms, the danger escalates. However by Brazillian law, bullet-proof vests with the highest protection level are available only to armed forces. This regulation leaves reporters, such as Domingos, at an increased risk.
Domingos is the sixth journalist to be killed this year, which makes Brazil the second deadliest Latin American country for journalists after Mexico.
The police operation resulted in the death of four alleged drug dealers and nine arrests, reports the International Press Institute.
Video: Domingos continued to take footage after being shot.