Opposition MPs beaten up in Venezuela

Moscow, May 2 (IANS/RIA Novosti) A parliamentary debate over the disputed presidential elections in Venezuela deteriorated into a showdown that saw the ruling party beat up the opposition, local media reported.

The events were triggered by the United Socialist Party of Venezuela using its majority to ban the opposition from having the floor until they recognize socialist candidate Nicolas Maduro's victory at last month's presidential polls, reported Noticias al Dia daily Tuesday.

Opposition lawmakers came up with an innovative solution to being denied the right to speak, busting out vuvuzela horns and drowning the parliament in noise.

A brawl ensued in which seven opposition lawmakers received light injuries, one victim, Julio Borges, said in a video published by UltimasNoticias.com.ve, where he appeared with a black eye and lacerations on his face.

A 40-second video of the incident run by Noticias al Dia showed an energetic mass tussle involving a lot of punching that was eventually stopped by some of the elder lawmakers who pulled brawlers aside.

The ruling party, which reported no casualties, laid the blame upon the opposition.

Maduro "the hand-picked successor of late president Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in March" scored 50.6 percent in the April 14 elections, beating opposition candidate Henrique Capriles Radonski by 1.4 percent, according to official figures.

Capriles refused to accept the results and demanded a recount, which is expected to last until June.

--IANS/RIA Novosti

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