Former defense minister detained in Venezuela

1 hour ago

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A former Venezuelan defense minister who is a prominent critic of President Hugo Chavez has been detained by military intelligence agents.

Gen. Raul Baduel tells The Associated Press that that agents stopped him while he was at a crafts shop with his family on Friday and shoved him into a sport-utility vehicle in a "violent manner."

Military prosecutor Gen. Nelson Morales has told state media the retired general was being taken to a military court.

Baduel has been under investigation for alleged corruption. He insists he's innocent.

Baduel says that according to an order presented to him, prosecutors allege he has failed to appear for hearings. He denies it.