News   /   Venezuela

Venezuelan student shot dead as riots continue

Protesters clash with riot police during a protest in Caracas, Venezuela, May 4, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

A university student has become the latest victim of political unrest in Venezuela, where riots have been taking a toll on people for several weeks.

Juan Lopez, the 33-year-old leader of a university federation, was shot dead during a student gathering in the city of El Tigre on Thursday, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.

According to preliminary reports, an assailant “approached him and shot him several times before fleeing on a motorbike,” the statement said. It was unclear who the shooter was.

The latest death brought the fatality toll from Venezuela’s ongoing political turmoil to at least 37.

Riot police are seen at the Central University of Venezuela in El Tigre, southeast of the capital Caracas, May 4, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Students also clashed with police during a rally in the Central University of Venezuela in the capital Caracas. They had gathered for a protest at the university when police arrived, firing tear gas. Many students were reportedly injured in the clashes.

Crowds of students also marched across the capital on Thursday, protesting against President Nicolas Maduro, who is accused of seeking to strengthen his grip on power by planning to write a new constitution.

The protesters clashed with police officers, sometimes throwing Molotov cocktails and stones at police. Opposition leaders said at least 30 people were injured in the demonstrations.

Overall, more than 1,000 have been arrested in the recent unrest. 

The prosecutors said a policeman also died of gunshot injuries in the western city of Carabobo on Wednesday. A 17-year-old student and a musician were also killed during Wednesday protests, which saw hundreds of thousands of people taking out to the streets across the country.

There were also reports of looting at several businesses and at least one factory in Caracas.

Students clash with riot police during a protest in Caracas, May 4, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Venezuela has been gripped by a wave of protests that broke out after the Supreme Court stripped the opposition-controlled parliament of its powers. Although the decision was later revoked, protests have only gained momentum.

The government says the protests are incited by the Unites Stated to remove President Maduro from power and accused the opposition of hiring armed gangs.

The latest unrest came on Wednesday, when Maduro launched procedures at the electoral council to elect a “constituent assembly” to draft a new constitution.


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku