Venezuela Government, Opposition Head for Showdown

After days of bloody street protests, Venezuela appears headed for a showdown as opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez says he will emerge from hiding Tuesday to lead an anti-government march.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has also called on his supporters to take to the streets Tuesday.

Mr. Maduro accuses Lopez of inciting violence and leading a U.S.-backed conspiracy to oust him from power.

Authorities have been searching for Lopez for organizing protests that turned violent. Three people were killed last week, including two opposition protesters.

Venezuelan security forces Monday raided the headquarters of Lopez's Popular Will party on Monday.

On Monday, Mr. Maduro ordered the expulsion of three U.S. embassy officials after Washington came to the defense of Lopez.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has said the arrest warrant for Lopez has a chilling effect on the rights of Venezuelan citizens to peacefully express their grievances.



Venezuelan forces used tear gas and water cannons against hundreds of student protesters Friday, angry at Mr. Maduro for soaring inflation, shortages in supermarkets, and rampant crime.

Nearly 100 people have been arrested in the recent protests.