Cameraman hit in the head in Rio de Janeiro has brain death confirmed

Abraji mourns the brain death of cameraman Santiago Ilídio Andrade, confirmed this Monday (Feb 10). On Thursday (Feb 6), while covering a demonstration on transportation fees in Rio de Janeiro, he was hit in the head by an explosive artifact. Investigations point protesters as responsible for buying and firing the artifact. We send our regards to his family, friends and colleagues.

It‘s the first lethal case involving attacks against journalists during the protests, but the occurrences are multiplying. Since June 2013, Abraji (Brazilian Association on Investigative Journalism) alerts for the rise of the violence and violations against press workers. From the beginning of the demonstrations until Santiago Andrade‘s death, 117 cases were registered by the association – both from protesters and from police forces.

Andrade was 49 years old and leaves wife, a daughter and three stepchildren.

Colleagues picture the cameraman as one of the most careful professionals from Band, where he worked. Last year he attended a training sponsored by military experts in Rio de Janeiro on security during demonstrations. He was an experienced reporter on those situations.

The sistematic violence against media professionals constitutes an attack on freedom of expression. Abraji urges the state (Executive and Judiciary) to indentify, judge and punish the responsible for the attacks.