An investigation has been launched in Venezuela into the murder of a local opposition leader, killed just days before a legislative election.
Luis Diaz, a senior member of the Democratic Action party in Guarico state, was shot dead at a campaign rally.
The election is being fiercely contested, with the government facing one of its strongest ever challenges from an opposition coalition.
Polls show the ruling Socialists could lose the legislature for the first time in 16 years.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has described the death of Diaz as “very unfortunate” and expressed his condolences to the family.
He said the death was being investigated and that there were “indications” that the death was a result of a clash between rival criminal groups.
Lilian Tintori, wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who was present at the event when the shooting took place, accused Maduro of ordering the attack and attempting to kill her.
