Two student protesters have died during demonstrations against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado told a Colombian TV channel that the two students had been killed "for raising their voices" against the government.

A Venezuelan official has confirmed one of the deaths, but said the victim was one of the government's supporters.

Protesters in Venezuela have expressed their anger at Mr Maduro's handling of the country's deepening economic crisis in a series of recent protests.

Venezuela has been battered by inflation running at more than 50%, a shortage of hard currency, and dwindling supplies of consumer goods.

On Tuesday, five youths were shot when gunmen opened fire on protests in the western city of Merida, according to local media and student groups.

Another 10 students participating in the protests were arrested.

The protesters in Caracas have since demanded the release of the students detained in Merida.

"We will not kneel," said David Smolansky, a former student leader who is now mayor of the Caracas municipality of El Hatillo.

He challenged the government to "see who is stronger".

"They have taken our students prisoner. We want them released!"

Many critics blame the leftist government's strict currency and price controls for the country' shortages, which range from toilet paper and newsprint to rice and meat.

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