Venezuela president condemns use of children in anti-gov't protests

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday condemned the "use of children" in anti-government protests, saying he will ask the Catholic Church to help put a stop to the practice.

His announcement came a day after Venezuela's ombudsman Tarek William Saab denounced the presence of minors in often violent demonstrations.

"I firmly call on the organizers of the marches and on their representatives to not expose them to the violence," William posted to Twitter, along with images of children, some appearing as young as seven or eight, hiding their faces behind makeshift masks in protest rallies.

"The use of hooded children and adolescents aged 8, 9, 10 or 17 at demonstrations is repugnant" and "violates the convention on childrens' rights," he added.

The latest wave of protests in early April has claimed 67 lives and left more than 1,000 others injured, according to reports from the Attorney General and the ombudsman.