Slaying of Venezuelan opposition leader has become flashpoint ahead of elections

The slaying of a Venezuelan opposition leader at a campaign rally is becoming an international flashpoint a week before critical congressional elections. The United Nations' human rights office called on Venezuela's government Friday to protect opposition leaders following the shooting death of a politician campaigning against the ruling socialist party ahead of the Dec. 6 elections. Opposition leader Luis Díaz was shot Wednesday night at a rally in central Guarico state. His party, Democratic Action, is part of an opposition coalition that is mounting the strongest challenge in 16 years to the socialist government amid worsening economic problems in this oil-producing country. More…