Colombia's deputy education minister injured in letter bomb attack

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- The deputy education minister was injured in the face and hands by a letter bomb on Monday, police said.

Gabriel Burgos was in his office when a package he was opening exploded, said Alberto Cantillo, spokesman for the national police. The extent of Burgos' injuries was not immediately known and he was rushed to a hospital.

"There was an explosion. He is injured, but I don't know how badly," ministry spokeswoman Carol Ramirez said.

The attack comes after weeks of protests by students and teachers who say a new budget plan will cut funding for education, something the government denies.

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