Five charged in 'aggression' towardS Venezuelan tourism minister

Four men and one woman on Sunday were charged with insulting a public official, resisting authority, public intimidation and harassing a woman, according to Gonzalo Himiob, a lawyer with rights group Penal Forum, which is assisting with the case. "This is very ridiculous from a legal point of view," Himiob said. Preliminary information suggested the five, who are behind bars, did not attack the minister, Himiob said, stressing the need for a full investigation. The state prosecutor now has 45 days to present evidence. Venezuelans are increasingly turning against the government amid a ballooning economic crisis in which there are shortages of goods ranging from car batteries to antibiotics while inflation wipes out salaries and savings. More…