Venezuelan Opposition Figure Barred From Public Office

Reports from Venezuela says a leading opposition figure in the country, Maria Corina Machado, has been barred from public office for a year.

Mrs Machado, who is a former congresswoman, said that she has been given 15 days to appeal against the decision.

It is not clear on what grounds she was barred but analysts said that the move could prevent her from standing again for congress in December's parliamentary election.

Mrs Machado led a major street protest against the government in early 2014.

Another leading opposition figure, Daniel Ceballos, a former mayor who is also running for parliament, was also banned from holding public office.

Government opponents have accused president Nicolas Maduro of bullying the opposition ahead of the elections.