CARACAS, Venezuela – The United Nations Human Rights commissioner is calling on Venezuela to protect opposition leaders following the shooting death of a politician campaigning against the ruling socialist party ahead of next week’s elections.
Opposition leader Luis Diaz was shot Wednesday night at a rally at in the central town of Altagracia de Orituco.
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Human rights commissioner Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein said Friday that officials must ensure the safety of political opponents and others who question the state. The U.S. also has called on Venezuela to protect candidates.
Venezuelan officials are saying Diaz was killed in a dispute between gangs.
Diaz was part of an opposition coalition that is mounting the strongest challenge yet to the government amid economic problems in the oil country.
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