CARACAS: Thousands of babies died in Venezuela last year, new official data show, highlighting the tragic impact of the country’s economic crisis as political tension heightened with deadly street clashes Wednesday. Deaths of mothers linked to childbirth soared by two-thirds meanwhile, according to the data published by the ministry — the latest such figures since 2015. ‘Military trials’ concernHuman rights concerns mounted meanwhile as prosecutors challenged alleged plans to try suspects in military courts over the unrest. Maduro has yet to respond to the reports, which have raised claims he has taken an authoritarian turn in the crisis. Protesters last Friday attacked the town hall and knocked down a statue of late president Hugo Chavez, Maduro’s mentor.

Source: Manila Times May 11, 2017 02:37 UTC