CARACAS, Venezuela -- 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.
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