Venezuela's opposition hardliner to remain jailed while awaiting trial

CARACAS, Venezuela – A prominent leader of Venezuela's opposition will remain in jail as he awaits trial on charges of inciting violence at anti-government demonstrations.

The ruling before dawn Thursday follows a preliminary hearing lasting three days in which Leopoldo Lopez's attorneys argued that the hardliner former mayor was being hounded for his political beliefs.

Before his arrest, Lopez had been spearheading a movement to force President Nicolas Maduro's resignation.

Authorities ordered his arrest after three people were killed February 12 during clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters that took place after peaceful demonstrations ended. At least 42 people have been killed on both sides in three months of unrest.