More arrests in Venezuela protests, Maduro slams 'coup-seekers'

Venezuelan authorities have arrested another eight anti-government protesters, bringing to 19 the number being held amid street demonstrations that President Nicolas Maduro says are being orchestrated by foreign-backed "coup-seekers". Ten months after Maduro narrowly won an election to replace his mentor and late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, a hardline wing of Venezuela's opposition is trying to whip up street protests over rampant crime, economic hardship and alleged state repression. Maduro, a 51-year-old former bus driver and union activist who has pinned his presidency on maintaining Chavez's legacy, says extreme right-wing politicians backed by "imperialist" collaborators want to bring him down by undemocratic means. More...