VICTIMS ON BOTH SIDES
In the first deaths on February 12, two opposition supporters and a pro-government activist were shot dead in Caracas, galvanizing the fledgling protest movement and sparking clashes in Caracas and some western Andean cities.
The 25 people killed include victims on both sides.
“The opposition are causing all the violence. They should think a bit smarter. The street barricades make no sense, they just bring violence,” said government supporter Marcos Alacayo, 46, among hundreds of ‘Chavistas’ at a square in east Caracas.
“They’re trying to make out the nation is in a bad state, but that just isn’t true. More people have access to healthcare, education and good food than ever. That’s what they don’t understand. Before Chavez, no one had what we have now,” added Alacayo, who works for a state-run higher education program.
Of the more than 1,300 people arrested since anti-government demonstrations began at the start of February, 92 are still behind bars, according to the government.
Those held include 14 security officials, some of whom are implicated in the deaths of two of those shot in the February 12 rallies. More than 300 people have been injured in the unrest.
“Today we’re marching to denounce the repression. There can’t be impunity. Why do they attack us when we are demonstrating freely? The security forces are bowing to a political ideology when their duty is to protect the people,” said law student Agnly Veliz, 22, at the opposition rally.
Veliz said she was at the fateful February 12 rally and has been protesting every day since then. “What’s the point of graduating while the country is in chaos? If I lose the year but help to achieve a better Venezuela, then it’s worth it.”