Venezuela Investigates Slaying Of Chavez Foe

Gunman Kills Opposition Politician In Venezuela, Police Investigating

(AP)  CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuelan authorities are investigating the shooting death of an opponent of President Hugo Chavez.

Prosecutors say a lone gunman approached Gustavo Gonzalez, a member of the Copei opposition party, at a restaurant, fatally shot the politician in the head and fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice.

The shooting occurred Monday in the city of Los Teques, the capital of Miranda state. Gonzalez was a member of the Miranda state legislature.

Copei spokesman Alejandro Vivas said in a statement that the slaying appeared to be a hired killing, but he did not mention a possible motive.

Violent crime including kidnapping and murder are on the rise in Venezuela, according to human rights groups.