Gunmen fire on Venezuela protest

Gunmen fire on Venezuela protest

Gunmen have opened fire on students returning from a protest in Caracas against Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's planned reforms.
Several people have been reported injured during the clashes, including at least two by gunfire.

The students were protesting against plans to remove presidential term limits, the subject of a referendum.

Thousands had marched peacefully to the Supreme Court and filed a demand for the vote to be suspended.

Unidentified gunmen opened fire on the students as they returned from the march, prompting scenes of chaos as students fled.

One witness told the Reuters news agency that after the initial violence supporters of Mr Chavez drove through the area on motorbikes and shooting into the air.

National Guardsmen had been posted along the march route to stop clashes between protesters and Chavez supporters.

Troops also surrounded the Central University of Venezuela, a centre of opposition to Mr Chavez's government.

'Power grab'

The amendments up for approval in a December referendum include giving the president control over the central back and the creation of new provinces governed by centrally appointed officials.

President Chavez is also proposing to bypass legal controls on the executive during a state of emergency, bring in a maximum six-hour working day, and cut the voting age from 18 to 16.

Supporters say the changes will deepen Venezuela's democracy but critics accuse Mr Chavez of a power grab.

Last week troops used tear gas and water cannon to disperse thousands of students protesting in Caracas against the proposed amendments.