Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is seen during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas

Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is seen during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas, February 12, 2014. At least three people were shot dead on Wednesday during anti-government protests in Caracas, escalating the worst bout of unrest in Venezuela since turmoil after President Nicolas Maduro’s election last year. The violence was a crescendo to weeks of sporadic demonstrations in the provinces led by opposition hardliners who denounce Maduro for failing to control inflation, crime and product shortages and vow to push him from office. REUTERS/Jorge Silva (VENEZUELA – Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)