Venezuelans block roads in seventh week of unrest

Caracas : Thousands of Venezuelans blocked roads on Monday in a seventh week of anti-government demonstrations, vowing not to budge all day in protest at a deadly, deepening political and economic crisis.

An 18-year-old died during a protest in the western state of Tachira after being shot by gunfire in the thorax, prosecutors said, bringing to at least 39 the number of people killed since April 1.

Local media reports said clashes broke out and opposition members were arrested at protests in six states in the latest unrest in the oil-rich country.

In the capital Caracas, crowds sat playing cards and tunes on the guitar as they blocked a major highway, while a small group of hooded protesters mounted barricades.

Near daily clashes have lasted more than six weeks during protests against moves to strengthen President Nicolas Maduro's hold on power and his refusal to hold early elections.

The center-right opposition blames socialist leader Maduro for an economic crisis that has caused severe shortages of food and medicine.

"My father died because of a lack of medicine. There is no food and when you do find some, it is very expensive," said demonstrator Katty Biagioni, 43, who sat reading in a tent in Caracas.