And while Boots felt that he was assaulted, as our footage shows both he and the Opposition leader were hurt by a stick hurled by someone in the crowd and the Commissioner of Police accepted no responsibility and no blame.
Jose Zetina, Commissioner of Police
"Well hit by whom? That's another matter because I know they had a little engagement right there by that side where he went. I don't know about anybody stopping him. I know that they walked off and they went to watch the crowd. The crowd wanted to break the barrier and we had to contain them."
Jules Vasquez,
What were the orders given to your officers as regards to the use of force?
Jose Zetina,
"Well the use of force we only use it when it's necessary. In order words we have to justify the use of force in the sense that a permit has been issued, a place was designated for them to be, and once they break that, in other words they are committing themselves."
Jules Vasquez,
If it so occurs that the videotape or someone's video tape shows that Mr. Martinez was hit in a purposeful way, not inadvertently, will that officer be penalized or punished in anyway for assaulting a member of the National Assembly on his way into the Assembly building?
Jose Zetina,
"I'll have to look at it. I can't say yes or no because we have to look at the video, if it does exist, and from there we will know what to do. We know that whatever force we use out here it must be properly justified. Let's look at it, let's inquire into it if it's a police that you said."
Jules Vasquez,
Are you concerned about the escalating social resistance you all are encountering?
Jose Zetina,
"I am not concerned so much about it because it is expected that people will voice their dissatisfaction and we're here only to preserve law and order."
And while Boots Martinez may not have been cut by a policeman, he this evening told us and independent eyewitnesses are verifying that when he finally reached up to the steps of the National Assembly he was denied access to the Chamber and he was assaulted by senior police officers.
