Venezuela: tear-gas attack on apostolic nuncio

Supporters of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez hurled tear-gas canisters at the residence of the papal nuncio in Caracas on Monday morning, January 19, after a speech in which Chavez denounced his critics, including the country's Catholic bishops. A pro-Chavez mob also threw tear-gas bombs at the home of the director of a Catholic television station that has criticized the Venezuelan leader. In a fiery speech the previous evening, Chavez had denounced student protests against his plans for constitutional revisions that will strengthen his political power. The president advised supporters to deal severely with anyone who would disrupt government operations, and 'spray them with gas.'