Colombian deputy minister injured in letter bomb attack
Colombia's Deputy Education Minister Gabriel Burgos suffered hands and face injuries on Monday, when a letter bomb, sent from within Bogota, exploded, authorities reported.

Burgos was opening the package resembling a gift to him at his office when the box exploded, injuring his face and hands. He was rushed to the national police hospital, where doctors say his injuries wouldn't affect his eyesight and were not life-threatening.

Authorities boosted security around the hospital and the minister's office. Col. Rodolfo Palomino, director of the Bogota police, announced a reward of 50,000 U.S. dollars for information regarding those responsible. The Colombian Educators Federation also published a statement on Monday condemning the attack.

Burgos worked as chancellor of Bucaramanga Autonomous University for 18 years before taking up the government post. He was also president of the Colombian Universities Association and of the Eastern Colombia Universities Association.

The attack comes after weeks of protests by students and teachers, who say a new government budget plan would cut education funds, an accusation that the government denies.