Venezuela: At least 7 killed in post-election protests

USPA News - At least seven people died during protests against newly elected president of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, officials said Tuesday. Venezuelan Attorney General Luisa Ortega confirmed on Tuesday that seven people died and at least 61 others were injured, as supporters of opposition leader Henrique Capriles gathered in protest in Caracas, the Venezuelan capital.

Among the seven killed was a police officer, Ortega said. A number of incidents were reported involving firearms, while tear gas was used by authorities to disperse crowds. Among the injured were also members of the press. Maduro, winner of Sunday`s presidential elections following the death of former leader Hugo Chavez, said he would not allow organized protests to continue into Wednesday. "You will not go to downtown Caracas to fill it with death and blood, I will not allow it," Maduro stated. Venezuelan Communication and Information Minister Ernesto Villegas blamed Capriles for the deadly violence, but Capriles, through his Twitter account, claimed the violent actions were ordered by the newly elected government in order to avoid a recount.