Venezuelans pay homage to people killed in protests

Anti-government activists in Venezuela blocked thoroughfares in the capital and several other cities Monday, continuing a fourth week of street demonstrations to press leftist President Nicolás Maduro for new national elections.

There were a few minor scuffles in the eastern Caracas, with riot police using tear gas against masked protesters who threw rocks.

During the demonstrations, which saw tens of thousands of people march for and against the government, right-wing supporters clashed with police when they attempted to break police cordons and head to areas of the city where pro-government demonstrators were gathered. The clashes can be seen in this video.

Maduro said on Sunday he wouldn't give in to opponents and again urged them rejoin negotiations they broke off last December.

Its leaders are rejecting calls for dialogue, and demanding immediate general elections.

He also said he wanted local elections to take place, although he did mention presidential elections. He said nothing about moving up elections for the presidency. NewsHour Weekend Special Correspondent Chris Bury reports from Missouri.http://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/newshour/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RTX1MUPV-e1492969004797-320x196.jpg3000260001g6bjTTnzxv8213593213588http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/eleven-candidates-vie-french-presidency/Eleven candidates vie for the French presidencyOn Sunday, France is set to hold a presidential election to replace outgoing socialist President François Hollande, who chose not to run for reelection.

The opposition blames Maduro for the unraveling of the oil giant's once-booming economy. "We support Nicolás Maduro Moros and the Bolivarian revolution, denounce the criminal onslaught they are victims of, and we call on the Colombian people not to be deceived".

Weeks of anti-government unrest have claimed another victim as Venezuela's opposition prepares for another mass protest.

A 42-year-old man who worked for the local government in the Andean state of Merida died from a gunshot in the neck at a rally in favour of President Nicolas Maduro's government, the state ombudsman and prosecutor's office said.

- 'No more repression!' - ========================= The courts and electoral authorities have fended off efforts to remove Maduro since the opposition took over the legislature in January 2016. The court later reversed that decision but protests have continued.

Eleven people died that day alone.

"We will not rest until we capture those responsible for this repugnant crime", he added.

MUD said one agreement struck with Maduro was for the release of an election schedule. Sinn Fein has passed motions at party conferences backing Mr Maduro's regime and sent members to oversee disputed elections in the South American country.