Death toll in Venezuela protests up to 36 with police death

A police officer has died after being shot during the latest round of nationwide anti-government protests in Venezuela.

The death of the 38 year-old officer in the central state of Carabobo means three dozen people have now died in the month of protests. Hundreds also have been wounded no small matter in a country with crippling medical shortages.

The Public Ministry says the officer died in clashes Wednesday. A 17 year-old protester also was killed in Caracas. Students were preparing for more marches today Protesters are demanding immediate presidential elections.

President Nicolas Maduro accuses the opposition of attempting a coup, and has responded with an initiative to rewrite the constitution.