Government’s ‘murderous violence’ condemned

Cardinal Jorge Urosa has condemned the shooting of three young people during anti-government demonstrations last week, writes Isabel de Bertodano.

The victims include a 14-year-old boy, Kuiliverth Roa, who was shot by police in the city of Táchira. “We’ve had enough of this murderous violence,” said the cardinal.

Kuiliverth was the first person to be killed since the Government announced last month that the army was permitted to use firearms during public protests.

“We call on the security forces to stop using firearms against civilians,” said the bishop of San Cristobal, Mario Moronta. “They are supposed to protect us.”