Venezuelan opposition supporters gathered for a second day of mass protests against embattled President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after violent clashes…
Venezuelan opposition supporters gathered for a second day of mass protests against embattled President Nicolas Maduro on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after violent clashes with pro-government forces.
“There’s no turning back,” Juan Guaido, opposition leader, said as he addressed thousands of supporters on the streets of Caracas on Wednesday.
The leader of the opposition-controlled National Assembly described the latest wave of anti-government demonstrations as an “irreversible process” and promised to continue protesting every day in order to “achieve freedom.”
Pro-government demonstrations took place at the same time, with rival groups both seeking to project strength at May Day rallies.
Maduro has accused protesters of “serious crimes” that would “not go unpunished.” He also repeated claims that the U. S. was plotting a coup against him.
It comes at a time when tensions in Venezuela are reaching boiling point, with the South American country in the midst of one of the Western Hemisphere’s worst humanitarian crises in recent memory.
Guaido declared himself Venezuela’s rightful interim president in January and has since been recognized by more than 50 countries, including the U. S. and most Latin American and European countries.
But, Maduro has refused to cede power and, crucially, he still has the support of the military.
