5 dead in Venezuelan protests

2014-02-20 2

A 22 year old college student and model is the latest casualty in the ongoing violent protests across Venezuela.

Genesis Carmona, seen here being carried to a hospital, was shot in the head during a protest on Tuesday in Valencia- she later died from her wounds.

Carmona is the fifth person to have been shot dead in anti-government protests this month that are multiplying in size and levels of violence.

The leader of the student led movement, 42 year old Harvard educated economist Leopoldo Lopez, turned himself in to authorities Wednesday after a warrant was issued for his arrest. He is being held on murder and terrorism charges.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was narrowly elected last year after the death of Hugo Chavez, said Lopez and others are conspiring with the U.S. government and are seeking a coup against him.

This fascist that we detain is well guarded in prison, he said after a meeting with his ministers.

The demonstrators are dema