Chavez Backers Demand Probe of Two Slayings

Supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez protested outside the attorney general’s office in Caracas to demand an investigation of two slayings the government blamed on leaders of a 5-week-old strike aimed at toppling the president.

Dozens of protesters shouted for justice, some blaming the capital’s police -- which reports to an opposition mayor -- for the killings at a political rally Friday.

Meanwhile, Chavez said oil production was recovering and had reached 1.5 million barrels a day, half the normal level. Striking oil executives say production is only a fraction of the normal level.