University student killed in Venezuela opposition protest

[Bacchus4.0]

http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/university-student-killed-venezuela-opposition-protest-46729496

Venezuelan authorities on Tuesday were investigating the death of a university student killed by gunfire at a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, as opposition leaders mapped out their next steps to push for new elections and government officials held a gathering to drum up state support.

Daniel Queliz, 20, was killed late Monday after being shot in the neck in Valencia, a city east of Caracas where students have actively participated in the protests that erupted April 1 following a Supreme Court decision to strip Congress of its last remaining powers — a decision later reversed.

It was not immediately clear where the bullet came from, though opposition leaders quickly decried the death as another example of the Venezuelan government's excessive use of force in countering protests. Security forces have been using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, while several opposition leaders have been roughed up and bloodied while participating in demonstrations.

Government officials blame the opposition for inciting violence and detained 18 people Monday. Thus far, two people have died and dozens left injured in the protests.