By
The Federalist Papers Project
Venezuela is now in a state of complete anarchy as the dictator Nicolas Maduro desperately tries to hold onto power in the failed socialist state.
The country’s military fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the thousands of protesters lining the streets in Caracas Saturday amid a week-long protest that shows no signs of letting up.
Protesters clash with security forces in Venezuela https://t.co/vuI9LHDPeC pic.twitter.com/VqsGjp1vsb
— News Rotator (@NewsRotator) April 9, 2017
The demonstrations came after the Maduro regime banned a top opposition leader for running for office for 15 years.
Reporters say thousands protest in Venezuela, pictures suggest more. pic.twitter.com/et0XktZApo
— David Boaz (@David_Boaz) April 9, 2017
It has been ten days of violent crackdowns as pro-government groups kidnap and violent assault opposition leaders while many other leaders seek refuge in foreign emabassies.
In Venezuela: a protester killed, an opposition leader barred from holding office, and a nation on edge. https://t.co/iS2mIYPDrk
— Foreign Policy (@ForeignPolicy) April 9, 2017
The protests were triggered by the Venezuela Supreme Court’s decision to strip the opposition-controlled legislature of all of their power – a move that was later reversed when their was widespread international condemnation and even dissent within the dictator’s leadership.
Intense clashes on the streets of Caracas, Venezuela yesterday between anti-Maduro protesters and riot police. pic.twitter.com/jiTVmjLQs2
— Jake Hanrahan (@Jake_Hanrahan) April 9, 2017
As the thousands of protesters approached the headquarters of the state-run oil company, they were met by rubber bullets, eye-scorching tear gas (some of it in a red color, which prompted accusations that they were using chemical weapons against the protesters),” The Daily Mail is reporting.
#Venezuela: anti-#Maduro protests continue in #Caracas. Protesters claim police forces used some kind of red tear gas today pic.twitter.com/zZNWGYHJqY
— Thomas van Linge (@arabthomness) April 8, 2017
Mayhem ensued, with riot police racing down windy streets, dodging objects thrown from tall apartment buildings as they deployed to squash the unrest.
Later, a small group of youths unsuccessfully tried to set fire to a Supreme Court office building.
Venezuela right-wing say gov’t uses chemical weapons. #fakenews by the right. https://t.co/wmWbm3mJ10 pic.twitter.com/EPIEloIE6o
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) April 9, 2017
The protesters’ immediate goal is to force Maduro to call elections. Last year, the government cancelled a recall referendum.
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