Yahoo News 
Venezuela leader defies demos, launches constitution overhaul
© AFP Federico PARRA
Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro Tuesday formally launched moves to rewrite the constitution, defying opponents who accuse him of clinging to power in a political crisis that has sparked deadly unrest.
At an open air rally before thousands of supporters, Maduro signed a document formally establishing the terms for electing members of a "constituent assembly" that will be tasked with drafting a new constitution.
His backers waved red, yellow and blue national flags in defiance of angry opposition protests after the death toll from weeks of clashes reached 53.
Violence appeared to intensify in recent days with the opposition marching daily to demand early elections.
A man was set alight on Sunday at a demo and three people were shot dead late Monday in riots in the western state of Barinas.
The government and opposition accuse each other of sending armed groups to sow violence during demonstrations.
- Death toll hits 53 -
Maduro has accused the opposition of "terrorism," and is resisting their calls for a vote on removing him from power.
The opposition blames him for an economic crisis that has caused shortages of food and medicine.
It says he plans to pack the "constituent assembly" with his supporters.
A total of 53 people have been killed during demonstrations, many of them shot, public prosecutors said on Tuesday. Looting has broken out in various cities.
A man was set alight on Sunday at a demo by an angry crowd who accused him of thieving. Maduro claimed he was targeted for being a government supporter.
Fresh riots broke out on Tuesday evening in the capital and Barinas.
"Venezuelans awake today in mourning for those murdered in our beloved Barinas. Such viciousness against our people!" opposition leader Henrique Capriles wrote on Twitter.
Opposition lawmakers called a session for Tuesday to discuss the violence.
- Maduro resists -
Elected in 2013, Maduro has resisted opposition efforts to remove him since January 2016.
He has said there will be presidential elections as scheduled next year, but not before.
Instead, he has angered the opposition by seeking constitutional reforms. His rivals say that aims to strengthen his grip on power and avoid elections.
Maduro retains the public backing of the military and control of most state institutions.
He says the crisis is an international conspiracy backed by the United States.
Venezuelans are struggling to buy food due to shortages and soaring inflation.
See Also:
