Venezuelan prosecutors have charged a former defense minister with crimes allegedly committed two decades ago during riots known as the "Caracazo."
Prosecutors say they have charged retired Gen. Italo del Valle Aliegro with ordering murders and violating international agreements during the 1989 unrest over hikes in gasoline prices and transportation fares.
Del Valle Aliegro was defense minister under former President Carlos Andres Perez when the rioting broke out. Authorities used force to put down the violent protests and at least 300 people died.
On this year's Feb. 27-28 anniversary, President Hugo Chavez called on authorities to administer justice for crimes committed during the Caracazo.
