Iranian president compares Hugo Chavez with Jesus

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has compared President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez with Jesus, calling him a martyr killed by a suspicious disease. Ahmadinejad said that Chavez had dedicated his life to make the country stronger and free its people, The Daily Star reports.

The two leaders were friends. Ahmadinejad had visited Venezuela before. Chavez had praised the Iranian president.

Vice President of Venezuela Nicolas Maduro announced the death of Chavez and became the country’s acting leader. A high-ranking US diplomat had been dismissed from the country the day before.