CARACAS, Venezuela, AP, 10 May 2017 — Dozens of people were injured and a 27-year-old man killed Wednesday during another day of violent clashes in Venezuela’s capital during demonstrations demanding elections.
National guardsmen launched tear gas and a group of armed pro-government militiamen harassed protesters as they tried to march to the Supreme Court. One masked militia member fired several shots into the air. The militia later dispersed after officers intervened.
Thousands of Venezuelans have again taken to the streets Wednesday marching against President Nicolas Maduro’s planned constitutional assembly. (March 10)
At least 93 people were injured in Caracas and demonstrator Miguel Castillo was killed. Authorities also announced that Anderson Dugarte, 32, died from a gunshot wound he suffered Monday at a protest in Merida. The violence pushed the death toll to at least 38 in more than a month of street protests and political turmoil.
An anti-government protester covers himself with a shield that reads in Spanish ‘Freedom,’ front a jet of water, during clashes with security forces in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
Castillo had studied communications at Santa Marta University and friends and opposition leaders vowed to march to the site of his death Thursday morning.
“Another Venezuelan that this government robbed of his future,” said Stalin Gonzalez, an opposition lawmaker.
Anti-government protesters face off with Bolivarian National Guard during an opposition march in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
An armed a pro-government militia stands on a median strip after hassling anti-government protesters attempting to march to the Supreme Court in downtown Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
Demonstrators contend President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government has become an authoritarian regime responsible for triple-digit inflation, widespread food and medical supply shortages and soaring crime. Maduro has dismissed the opposition movement as a violent, far-right effort intent on removing him from power.
Anti-government protesters run from police during an opposition march in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
Anti-government protesters face off with Bolivarian National Guards during an opposition march in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
Protesters were marching in downtown Caracas and chanting: “Who are we? Venezuela! What do we want? Freedom!” Militiamen approached, all dressed in dark colors with pieces of cloth covering their faces. About three carried guns.
Anti-government protesters face off with Bolivarian National Guards during an opposition march in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
Anti-government protesters rally in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
The protesters fled, screaming in fear. Opposition leaders have blamed armed pro-government groups known as “colectivos” for a number of protest deaths.
One of the militiamen fired into the air, though no one was hit.
Along Caracas’ main highway, state security forces used tear gas and water to disperse demonstrators, who threw jars of fecal matter in their direction. Some of the protesters arrived with wooden shields that had images of the nation’s blue constitution book, which Maduro has vowed to rewrite.
Anti-government protesters to aim a giant shot holding a glass bottle, at security forces blocking their march from reaching the Supreme Court in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Bolivarian National Guards shield themselves from a jar of fecal matter flying at them, thrown by anti-government protesters in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, May 10, 2017.
More than 1,300 people have been detained in the unrest, not including 250 civilians who have been presented before military tribunals. Maduro is vowing to resolve the crisis by holding a special assembly to rewrite the nation’s constitution, though opposition leaders have refused to participate.
Thousands of Venezuelans have again taken to the streets Wednesday marching against President Nicolas Maduro’s planned constitutional assembly