Politics

Maduro Accuses Opposition of Plotting Coup in Venezuela

Seven killed in clashes

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Venezuelan President-elect Nicolas Maduro accused the opposition on Tuesday of planning a coup against him after seven people were killed in violent clashes over his disputed election victory.

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles has demanded a full recount of votes from Sunday's election after official results showed a narrow victory for Maduro, who is late President Hugo Chavez's hand-picked successor.

The deaths occurred on Monday when hundreds of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the capital Caracas and other cities, blocking streets, burning tires and fighting with security forces in some cases. Officials also said 61 people had been injured and 135 people arrested in the violence.