President Hugo Chavez accused Venezuela’s media of trying to undermine him and threatened to take swift and stern measures against television networks, radio stations and newspapers that cause trouble.

President Hugo Chavez has threatened to imprison the popular governor of Venezuela’s western Zulia state for allegedly plotting to kill him.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez defended his decision not to renew the licence of a popular opposition-aligned television network and warned he might crack down on another TV station, accusing it of trying to incite attempts on his life.

Venezuelan police fired tear gas and plastic bullets into a crowd of thousands protesting at a decision by President Hugo Chavez that forced a television station critical of his left-wing government off the air.

Venezuela's military leadership has forced President Hugo Chavez to resign after 13 people died following a day of violence.

A plane carrying US, European and Venezuelan tourists has crashed in southern Venezuela, killing all 24 people on board.