Venezuelan journalist shot dead

Venezuelan journalist Wilfred Iván Ojeda Peralta, who wrote columns critical of the government, was shot dead in the northern city of Revenga, Aragua.

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

Ojeda, who wrote for the newspaperEl Clarín, was a leader of the Democratic Action political party, which is opposed to President Hugo Chávez.

Violence against journalists in Venezuela has been previously linked to drug traffickers. One of the country's major drug gang leaders, Walid Makled, is awaiting trial on a charge of murdering a reporter.

WSources: AP/Reuters