Murders in Venezuela at New High

Almost 21,000 murders in 2012

Venezuela, already the most violent country in South America, recorded a new high of almost 21,000 murders in 2012, a non-governmental organization that monitors crime here said Thursday.

"We can conservatively estimate that 2012 will end with 21,692 deceased victims of violence, a rate of 73 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants," the Venezuelan Violence Observatory said in its annual report.

"During 2012 there was a widespread increase of violence in Venezuela… despite the various measures taken by the government," the group said.

H/T Drave Robber