Rights board: Venezuela dissidents' lives 'in danger'

A regional rights body urged Venezuela to implement cautionary measures for jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and another detainee, saying their lives are at risk.

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is part of the Organization of American States, can request such measures in a bid to prevent what it describes as permanent damage to individuals.

Lopez has been charged with inciting deadly violence against President Nicolas Maduro's government.

Fellow detainee Daniel Ceballos is a former student leader and ex-mayor of San Cristobal, in Tachira state.

Keeping them in their current conditions is a human rights violation and puts their lives and mental well-being at risk, the commission said.

Lopez, held at the Ramo Verde military prison outside Caracas, has been on trial since July 24, accused of inciting violence by having advocated public protests as a means to pressure Maduro to resign.