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Venezuelan Protesters End 3-Week Hunger Strike

   VOA News  February 22, 2011
   Students  during  a  hunger strike in Caracas, Venezuela, February 15,
   2011

Photo: AP

   Students  during  a  hunger strike in Caracas, Venezuela, February 15,
   2011

   Venezuelan  students  have  called off a hunger strike that they began
   more  than  three  weeks ago to protest alleged human rights abuses in
   the  South  American  nation  and  the jailing of people they consider
   political prisoners.
   Reports say the strike was called off Tuesday because the Organization
   of  American  States  is discussing the allegations of rights abuses.Â
   The  protesters  also  have  demanded the OAS investigate the cases of
   more  than  two  dozen  government opponents who the students say have
   been prosecuted on politically motivated charges.
   Several  hunger strikers had been camped outside the Caracas office of
   the OAS during the strike. Â
   Last  week,  the United States urged Venezuela to allow a visit by OAS
   Secretary-General  Jose  Miguel Insulza, but the government in Caracas
   accused Washington of meddling. Â
   Venezuela says there are no political prisoners in the country.

   Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.

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