A Bolivian radio host has been attacked by masked men, who stormed his studio and set it on fire whilst he was on air. 70 year-old Fernando Vidal was interviewing two women about alleged corruption amongst customs police, when the incident occurred at Radio Popular, according to CBS News. Three men were arrested in connection with the attack but local authorities say that they are refusing to talk.

When the men barged into the studio, one of them splashed gasoline around the room, whilst another set it alight. The third man fired gunshots into the air. Fernando Vidal tried to intervene but was burned in the process. Vidal was taken to hospital in the eastern city of Santa Cruz, a six-hour drive away. He remained in intensive care on Tuesday (October 30, 2012) in a serious but stable condition. He had suffered third degree burns on his face and arms. Karen Arce a studio technician, also suffered burns, though hers were less serious. She travelled the six hours to Santa Cruz with Mr. Vidal.

Fernando’s son-in-law, Esteban Farfan, told reporters that Vidal knows who his attackers were. “My father-in-law knows the identity of the people who ordered this act. There are political interests that want to silence the radio station. We will name names at the appropriate time. The Interior Minister Carlos Romero has revealed that of the three men arrested, one was a mechanic, one was a taxi driver and “neither they nor the third man arrested " would have direct motives for attacking the radio station, insinuating that somebody else must be involved.