Protesting Venezuela opposition leader attacked
Supporters of Venezuela's socialist government attacked a senior opposition leader with fists and stones Friday when he was demonstrating against the country's emergency power cuts.
A group of men punched and threw objects at Jesus Torrealba, the burly bald-headed leader of the opposition MUD coalition, a video posted on YouTube showed.
He fled as his companions brawled with the attackers.
Torrealba later told reporters he had been taking part in a small demonstration outside the offices of the local electricity utility in central Caracas.
"I accompanied the local residents who were protesting. Along with them I was attacked by a violent group. I am alright," he said.
"It was a peaceful demonstration to condemn the blackouts and it was a success. When it was over I was attacked by government supporters -- a small group, but very violent."
Tensions are high in Venezuela after the government this week introduced daily electricity blackouts in several states to try to ease a power shortage.
Street clashes and looting reportedly broke out earlier this week in Maracaibo, Venezuela's second-biggest city.
President Nicolas Maduro blames the shortage on the El Nino weather phenomenon that has dried up the country's main hydroelectric dam.
His opponents say the authorities have mismanaged the power network, worsening the impact of the drought.
Torrealba's Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) has launched steps to call a referendum to remove Maduro from office.
It blames him for an economic crisis sparked by falling oil prices which has caused shortages of food and basic goods.
Venezuela is ranked by the United Nations as one of the most violent countries in the world.