More agents deployed around Barrick mine as protest flares

COTUI, Dominican Republic.- The National Police on Friday deployed more agents in the area around the Barrick Pueblo Viejo gold mine, just hours after riot police shot and seriously wounded Nairobi Gonzalez, 32, in the back, as the protest spreads to surrounding villages.

Rioters torched a van used to shuttle mine workers, with several arrests during clashes unfolding in the communities Zambrana, Tocoa and La Piñita, whose inhabitants had joined the protest since 6am Thursday.

The medical staff of the Dr. Jacobo Clinic worked to extract shotgun pellets from the victim, whose father slammed the police action.

Barrick

Barrick Pueblo Viejo spokesman Jorge Esteva said the demonstrators displayed “an openly criminal attitude,” by torching its vehicles, blocking the road with downed trees, and the burning of tires, even in front of a school.