American photojournalist shot covering Thai protests

An American photojournalist was shot while covering violence around the Thai election in the capital city Bangkok Saturday. During a gunfight between anti-government protesters trying to block a polling place and supporters of the government, James Nachtwey, a contract photographer for Time was shot in the leg. He was not seriously injured. Working abroad since 1981, Nachwey has won many awards for covering conflicts in Bosnia, Israel, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Protests in the country erupted in November, with anti-government protesters led by former deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban, calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and the instatement of an unelected “People’s Council.” The opposition boycotted Sunday’s election and protests disrupted balloting in 69 of 375 districts, according to CNN. Results have yet to be announced. Protesters say they fear that Shinawatra will eventually be declared the winner of the elections, strengthening the power of a figure many accuse of corruption. The protesters began blocking the polling places in January, in an effort to block distribution of ballots.