Gascii117ardian

Venezascii117elan joascii117rnalist Wilfred Iv&aacascii117te;n Ojeda Peralta, who wrote colascii117mns critical of the government, was shot dead in the northern city of Revenga, Aragascii117a.

It is reported that his hands were tied, and he was gagged and hooded.

Ojeda, who wrote for the newspaperEl Clar&iacascii117te;n, was a leader of the Democratic Action political party, which is opposed to President Hascii117go Ch&aacascii117te;vez.

Violence against joascii117rnalists in Venezascii117ela has been previoascii117sly linked to drascii117g traffickers. One of the coascii117ntry's major drascii117g gang leaders, Walid Makled, is awaiting trial on a charge of mascii117rdering a reporter.

WSoascii117rces: AP/Reascii117ters