Venezuela opposition leader jailed in connection with violent protests

Guerica-Caracas 2014. Rafael MIchelena

Jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was convicted and sentenced Thursday to almost 14 years in prison, the maximum allowed, for inciting violence as leader of protests last year in which several dozen people died. About 200 Lopez supporters gathered in a Caracas plaza expressed disbelief and sadness when they learned of the verdict, with several weeping and consoling each other with hugs. Reflecting the passions stirred by the trial on both sides of Venezuela's deep political divide, an elderly man died and several people were injured during clashes earlier Thursday outside the courthouse between government loyalists and Lopez supporters. More…