|
A senior Venezuelan diplomat at the United Nations says he has resigned, citing systematic persecution of civilians, “state terrorism'' and violations of the constitution by President Nicolas Maduro's government. Speaking to the Associated Press news agency Thursday night, Isaias Medina said Venezuela “is a failed state,” adding that “this is a fugitive government and a complete dictatorship ... Maduro does not have the right to be in that office.'' Medina, an international lawyer specializing in environmental issues, who was a minister counselor at Venezuela's UN Mission, called on Maduro to “leave the office so that a new government can take place and do their job.'' Venezuela's U.N. Ambassador says Medina was fired for acting dishonestly. In cities across Venezuela Thursday tree limbs, wires, trash and furniture were transformed into roadblocks as Venezuelans heeded the opposition call to strike against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. Protesters clashed with police in some areas. Groups of masked young men set fire to a handful of blockades and hurled stones at riot police, who fired back tear gas. A 24-year-old man was killed and three people were wounded after violence broke out during a demonstration on the outskirts of Caracas, according to prosecutors. Opposition demonstrators also set a police booth on fire. There were several arrests. Stones were also thrown at the headquarters of VTV state television. | 
