Nine killed as protests rock Venezuela
Thousands of people attend a march during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, on February 22, 2014. PHOTO | RAUL ARBOLEDA
What you need to know:
- he latest victim was a 29 year-old male who tried to cross a street blockaded by protesters on a motorcycle at night time
- Among the injured, 100 are civilians and the rest are members of the security forces
CARACAS
At least nine people died in Venezuela in the wave of protests against the leftist government of President Nicolas Maduro, officials said Friday.
At least 137 people have also been injured and 104 have been detained in the two weeks of protests, Attorney-General Luisa Ortega said on a radio show.
The latest victim was a 29 year-old male who tried to cross a street blockaded by protesters on a motorcycle at night time, Interior Minister Miguel Rodriguez Torres said on state VTV network. (READ: Maduro says no chance of coup after deadly Venezuela demos)
SLIT HIS THROAT
In the darkness the rider did not see a cable that the protesters had strung up. He tripped, fell and slit his throat, Rodriguez said.
Five of the victims died in Caracas, including three from gunshot wounds during a massive February 12 anti-government rally that led to clashes between protesters, security forces and pro-government militias.
Among the injured, 100 are civilians and the rest are members of the security forces, Ortega said.
Fatalities include a beauty queen shot in the head during opposition protests in the north-central state of Carabobo.
