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What lies behind the protests in Venezuela? What lies behind the protests in Venezuela?
(7 days later)
A wave of anti-government demonstrations - the largest in a decade - has been sweeping through Venezuela since early February. The BBC's Irene Caselli in Caracas takes a closer look at the recent unrest.A wave of anti-government demonstrations - the largest in a decade - has been sweeping through Venezuela since early February. The BBC's Irene Caselli in Caracas takes a closer look at the recent unrest.
When did the protests start?When did the protests start?
The protests began in early February in the western states of Tachira and Merida when students demanded increased security after a female student alleged she was the victim of an attempted rape. Venezuela has the fifth highest murder rate in the world. Insecurity and crime are rife in many urban centres.The protests began in early February in the western states of Tachira and Merida when students demanded increased security after a female student alleged she was the victim of an attempted rape. Venezuela has the fifth highest murder rate in the world. Insecurity and crime are rife in many urban centres.
They also complained about record inflation (official figures suggest yearly inflation in December 2013 stood at 56.2%) and shortages of basic food items.They also complained about record inflation (official figures suggest yearly inflation in December 2013 stood at 56.2%) and shortages of basic food items.
The protests in Tachira turned violent, triggering the arrest of several students. The protests in Tachira turned violent, triggering the arrest of several students, which in turn led to demonstrations in Caracas calling for their release.
At this point, two hardliners within Venezuela's opposition movement, Leopoldo Lopez and Maria Corina Machado, joined in the protests. The protests in Caracas started on 12 February and quickly turned deadly when three people were shot by gunmen following a largely peaceful march that same day. There have been many demonstrations since then, varying in size from small gatherings to large rallies.
When the student movement organised a march in the capital, Caracas, Mr Lopez and Ms Machado used the hashtag #lasalida, which in Spanish means both "the exit" and "the solution", to call on their supporters to join in the demonstration.
The protests in Caracas started on 12 February and quickly turned deadly when three people were shot by gunmen following a largely peaceful march that same day. There have been daily demonstrations since then.
Venezuela protests end in violenceVenezuela protests end in violence
Who is protesting?Who is protesting?
Students were the first to take to the streets. Unlike many Latin American countries, Venezuela's student movement is largely conservative in its outlook.Students were the first to take to the streets. Unlike many Latin American countries, Venezuela's student movement is largely conservative in its outlook.
When the protests spread to Caracas, the students were joined by hardliners from within the umbrella opposition group Table for Democratic Unity (MUD). Mr Lopez, a former mayor and political maverick, and Ms Machado, an MP, are the main political figures behind #lasalida. When the protests spread to Caracas, the students were joined by hardliners from within the umbrella opposition group Table for Democratic Unity (MUD). Mr Lopez, a former mayor and political maverick, and Ms Machado, an MP, are the main political figures in the movement.
The elected leader of the opposition, Henrique Capriles, who narrowly lost to President Nicolas Maduro in April last year, was opposed to the initial marches.The elected leader of the opposition, Henrique Capriles, who narrowly lost to President Nicolas Maduro in April last year, was opposed to the initial marches.
After more than 500 people were arrested and more than a dozen killed, Mr Capriles and a more moderate sector of the opposition also took to the streets asking for peaceful demonstrations. According to many observers and to Mr Capriles himself, the protests are made up of a middle-class majority, with middle-class concerns.After more than 500 people were arrested and more than a dozen killed, Mr Capriles and a more moderate sector of the opposition also took to the streets asking for peaceful demonstrations. According to many observers and to Mr Capriles himself, the protests are made up of a middle-class majority, with middle-class concerns.
Leopoldo Lopez: Venezuela's maverick opposition leaderLeopoldo Lopez: Venezuela's maverick opposition leader
What are the protesters demanding?What are the protesters demanding?
Given the breadth of people demonstrating, the demands are varied.Given the breadth of people demonstrating, the demands are varied.
They are urging the release of all those detained during previous marches. More than 500 protesters have been arrested, of which about 200 remain in jail, according to the association of human rights lawyers, Foro Penal Venezolano. Officials say the number is much lower. They are urging the release of all those detained during previous marches.
The demonstrators allege some of those detained have been tortured and have demanded a government investigation. While President Maduro initially denied the allegations, Venezuela's Prosecutor General Luisa Ortega has since announced that an investigation is under way. Almost 1,000 protesters have been arrested, according to the association of human rights lawyers, Foro Penal Venezolano. Most of them were quickly released but some remain in jail, including opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez.
The government says the number of people detained is much lower.
The demonstrators allege some of those detained have been tortured. While President Maduro initially denied the allegations, Venezuela's Prosecutor General Luisa Ortega has since announced that an investigation is under way.
They also want increased security and have called for pro-government groups of activists, also known as colectivos, or collectives, to be disarmed.They also want increased security and have called for pro-government groups of activists, also known as colectivos, or collectives, to be disarmed.
The say the government has enforced a media blackout and have called for a free flow of information.The say the government has enforced a media blackout and have called for a free flow of information.
Some more hard-line protesters say they will not leave the streets until Mr Maduro resigns.Some more hard-line protesters say they will not leave the streets until Mr Maduro resigns.
What does the government say?What does the government say?
The government accuses the opposition of trying to stage a coup with backing from the United States.The government accuses the opposition of trying to stage a coup with backing from the United States.
Several members of the government have warned of a "slow coup", in which protests slowly lead to increasing chaos until the situation boils over and the government is toppled.
The government has drawn parallels between the protests and a brief coup that took place against Hugo Chavez in 2002. President Maduro has called the protesters "fascists".The government has drawn parallels between the protests and a brief coup that took place against Hugo Chavez in 2002. President Maduro has called the protesters "fascists".
At the same time, the government has been calling on its supporters to show their strength. Different groups such as oil workers and motorcycle drivers have marched in support of the president, suggesting that he continues to have strong backing among his core constituency, especially the poorer sections of Venezuelan society.At the same time, the government has been calling on its supporters to show their strength. Different groups such as oil workers and motorcycle drivers have marched in support of the president, suggesting that he continues to have strong backing among his core constituency, especially the poorer sections of Venezuelan society.
Have the protests been violent?Have the protests been violent?
Human Rights Watch has condemned the "excessive and unlawful force against protesters on multiple occasions". Videos and photographs posted on the internet suggest protesters have been beaten up by members of the security forces, but the government denies such abuses. Human Rights Watch has condemned the "excessive and unlawful force against protesters on multiple occasions". Foro Penal Venezolano says it has documented 33 cases of abuse, but the government has denied the allegations.
At least 13 people have died so far as a result of the protests. According to official figures, at least 18 people have died so far as a result of the protests.
Prosecutor General Luisa Ortega says three members of the security forces have been arrested in connection with the shooting of the first two victims, who died on 12 February. Prosecutor General Luisa Ortega says eight members of the security forces have been arrested in connection with the shooting of the first two victims, who died on 12 February.
Six other officers are also in detention . Ms Ortega said those who are found to have used excessive force would be prosecuted. Six other officers are also in detention. Ms Ortega said those who are found to have used excessive force would be prosecuted.
Who is behind the violence?Who is behind the violence?
The opposition has blamed pro-government motorcycle gangs, as well as the security forces, for the violence, while Mr Maduro said the attackers were "fascists".The opposition has blamed pro-government motorcycle gangs, as well as the security forces, for the violence, while Mr Maduro said the attackers were "fascists".
The president has also blamed Mr Lopez for inciting the violence. Mr Lopez is now in jail awaiting a trial. The president has also blamed Mr Lopez for inciting the violence. Mr Lopez is now in jail awaiting trial on charges of intentional arson, incitement to violence, damage to public property and conspiracy
The government accuses protesters of throwing stones and causing riots. It has also issued an arrest warrant for retired Gen Angel Vivas for allegedly using social media to incite people to string cables across roads to trip pro-government motorcyclists. Two motorcyclists died over the weekend because they were caught in barbed wire. The government accuses protesters of throwing stones and causing riots. It has also issued an arrest warrant for retired Gen Angel Vivas for allegedly using social media to incite people to string cables across roads to trip pro-government motorcyclists. Two motorcyclists died in February because they were caught in barbed wire.
Venezuela protest leader in custodyVenezuela protest leader in custody
How are the protests affecting people's lives?How are the protests affecting people's lives?
The extent of the protests differs markedly in various parts of Venezuela.The extent of the protests differs markedly in various parts of Venezuela.
For example, in eastern Caracas - an anti-government stronghold - protests have turned violent every afternoon. Tear gas and the smell of burnt tyres have become an everyday feature for people in the area. People have been building barricades with old furniture and garbage to block off main streets. For example, in eastern Caracas - an anti-government stronghold - protests have turned violent almost every afternoon. Tear gas and the smell of burnt tyres have become an everyday feature for people in the area. People have been building barricades with old furniture and garbage to block off main streets.
Many shops are opening and closing earlier, while restaurants remain empty at night as residents are scared to go out after sunset. Some shop owners say they are working at a loss. Public transport has been irregular and has at times been suspended.Many shops are opening and closing earlier, while restaurants remain empty at night as residents are scared to go out after sunset. Some shop owners say they are working at a loss. Public transport has been irregular and has at times been suspended.
Street blockades divide opinion in Venezuela
How is the media reporting the issue?How is the media reporting the issue?
Mr Maduro has been highly critical of the international media coverage, while protesters say the government is imposing a media blackout.Mr Maduro has been highly critical of the international media coverage, while protesters say the government is imposing a media blackout.
Authorities have removed Colombian TV news channel NTN24 from the grid of Venezuelan cable operators. Mr Maduro accused the station of showing opposition demonstrations and inciting violence.Authorities have removed Colombian TV news channel NTN24 from the grid of Venezuelan cable operators. Mr Maduro accused the station of showing opposition demonstrations and inciting violence.
Mr Maduro has also criticised the Agence France Press news agency and has threatened to take CNN Espanol off the air - the Spanish-language version of the US-based TV channel. Mr Maduro has also criticised the Agence France Press news agency and threatened to take CNN Espanol off the air - the Spanish-language version of the US-based TV channel.
According to the National Press Workers' Union, at least 62 media workers have been victims of abuse and/or harassment by either the police forces, the National Guard, irregular armed groups, or protesters. According to the National Press Workers' Union, scores of media workers have been victims of abuse and/or harassment by either the police forces, the National Guard, irregular armed groups, or protesters.
Overall, there is a lack of reliable sources of information within the country.Overall, there is a lack of reliable sources of information within the country.
The 'virtual' battle in VenezuelaThe 'virtual' battle in Venezuela
Will the protests create change?Will the protests create change?
These are not only the largest protests since Mr Maduro took office, they are also Venezuela's biggest protests in over a decade. These are not only the largest protests since Mr Maduro took office, they are also Venezuela's biggest protests in over a decade, spreading to other cities beyond Caracas.
However, so far they seem confined mainly, though not exclusively, to the middle class. The government's popularity remains high amid its voters, who gave it a further boost in local elections in December.However, so far they seem confined mainly, though not exclusively, to the middle class. The government's popularity remains high amid its voters, who gave it a further boost in local elections in December.
Mr Capriles has said that as long as the protests do not spread to a wider sector of society, it is unlikely there will be any change.Mr Capriles has said that as long as the protests do not spread to a wider sector of society, it is unlikely there will be any change.
What has the international reaction been?What has the international reaction been?
US President Obama has criticised the Venezuelan government for the "unacceptable violence" during the protests. In response, Mr Maduro has accused Washington of trying to carry out a coup. Mr Maduro expelled three US diplomats from Caracas, but at the same time he challenged Mr Obama to hold high-level talks. United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Venezuelan authorities to "listen carefully to the aspirations" of protesters and engage in dialogue with the opposition.
At a regional level, many allies such as Argentina, Bolivia and Ecuador have expressed their concern about the violence, which they blame on the opposition. Pope Francis has also expressed his concern about the recent unrest saying he hoped that "violence and hostility will cease as soon as possible".
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff called for dialogue. US President Obama criticised the Venezuelan government for the "unacceptable violence" during the protests. In response, Mr Maduro accused Washington of trying to carry out a coup. Mr Maduro expelled three US diplomats from Caracas, but at the same time he named a new ambassador to Washington.
So far no country has emerged as a possible negotiator between the government and the opposition. UN chief urges dialogue in Venezuela
Venezuela's Maduro seeks Obama talks Pope worried over Venezuela violence