Toll in Venezuela s violent protests reaches 73

Caracas June 16 (IANS) The death toll in the violent Venezuelan protests has increased to 73 amid escalating tensions provoked by the government s call to rewrite the Constitution.

The Venezuelan Public Ministry on Thursday said that Libertador Experimental Teaching University (UPEL) student Jose Gregorio Perez died during a demonstration in the town of Rubio reports Efe news.

The 21-year-old was shot in the face.

Since April 1 Venezuela has been beset by a wave of pro- and anti-government protests some of which have degenerated into violence that has now left 73 people dead and more than 1 000 injured according to official figures.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro launched an initiative to elect a Constituent Assembly to reform the Constitution which has been badly received by the opposition which claimed it was another attempt by the executive to hold onto power.

--IANS
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