In brief: Clashes continue amid Chavez anniversary

Caracas, Venezuela – Thousands of Venezuelans mourned the passing of President Hugo Chavez on the first anniversary of his death Wednesday, while National Guard troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets at anti-government activists who pressed on with street protests despite the commemorations.

Chavez’s successor, President Nicolas Maduro, angrily announced that he would break off relations with Panama, which he accused of being a “lackey” of the U.S. in a conspiracy to topple his government through the daily protests that have left at least 18 dead since mid-February.

Maduro said he made the move because Panama asked for the Organization of American States to study the situation in Venezuela. Maduro considers the OAS to be dominated by Washington.

Venezuela is mired in economic crisis and daily anti-government demonstrations, and Wednesday was no exception as protests erupted in at least six cities.

Son of Gadhafi extradited, taken to Tripoli prison

Tripoli, Libya – Niger has extradited Moammar Gadhafi’s son al-Saadi, who fled as his father’s regime crumbled in 2011 and who was under house arrest in the desert West African nation ever since, Libya said today.

The government said al-Saadi – one of the deposed Libyan leader’s eight children – will be treated “in accordance with international law.”

A Libyan official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said al-Saadi arrived early today at the Tripoli airport and was transferred to a prison in the capital.

Al-Saadi, known for his love of professional soccer and playboy lifestyle, is wanted by Libyan authorities but not by the International Criminal Court.

His brother, Seif al-Islam, is held by a militia, which refuses to hand him over to the central government for trial.