World

Generals arrested in Venezuela

12:54 pm on 27 March 2014

Venezuela has arrested three air force generals for plotting an uprising against the government.

President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: AFP

President Nicolas Maduro said that the government was tipped off by "young officers".

He said the three generals, who have not been named, had links with the opposition.

The BBC reports the arrests are the latest development in nearly two months of political unrest, which have cost the lives of at least 32 people.

Demonstrators have complained of high inflation, rampant crime and shortages of many staples.

Mr Maduro has previously accused right-wing sectors backed by the United States of stirring up trouble as part of a plot to oust him.

He was elected last April to succeed the late President Hugo Chavez, who died of cancer in March 2013.