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Demonstrators take part in the "taking of Caracas" march in Caracas yesterday. AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

Hundreds of thousands march against government in Venezuela

Demonstrators dressed in white marched in the east of the capital, yelling “Venezuela is hungry” and “This government is going to fall”.

OPPONENTS OF VENEZUELAN  President Nicolas Maduro claimed to have mobilized a million demonstrators last night in the biggest rally in decades, vowing weekly mass protests to demand a referendum on ousting him from power.

Police deployed in their hundreds to keep anti-government protesters angry at food and medicine shortages apart from Maduro’s supporters, who vowed to defend his “socialist revolution”.

The rallies raised fears of violence in the oil-rich South American state, where anti-government protests in 2014 led to clashes with police that left 43 people dead.

The leader of the opposition Democratic Unity Roundtable, Jesus Torrealba, told AFP it was the “biggest rally in recent decades” with “between 950,000 and 1.1 million people” taking part.

Demonstrators dressed in white marched in the east of the capital, yelling “Venezuela is hungry” and “This government is going to fall”.

“We either come out to march or we will die of hunger. We are no longer afraid of the government,” said one demonstrator, Ana Gonzalez, 53.

The rallies come at a highly volatile time for Venezuela, where a plunge in prices for oil exports has led to shortages, violent crime and outbreaks of looting.

The Week That Was in Latin America Photo Gallery A Bolivarian police officer hurls a tear gas canister at demonstrators during a protest in Caracas. AP Photo / Fernando Llano AP Photo / Fernando Llano / Fernando Llano

“This is a historic march. Today begins a definitive stage in this struggle,” Torrealba said.

‘People’ for Maduro

Thousands of Maduro supporters in red T-shirts and caps meanwhile rallied in the central Plaza Bolivar yelling to their leader:

The people are with you.

Maduro estimated his supporters’ turnout at up to 30,000.

“Today we have defeated a coup d’etat,” he told the crowd.

They have failed once again. The victory is ours.

The opposition blames Maduro for the economic crisis and wants a referendum on removing him from power. He has branded the effort a right-wing “coup”.

Venezuela Opposition Protest A demonstrator shouts insults against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro during a protest in Caracas. AP Photo / Fernando Llano AP Photo / Fernando Llano / Fernando Llano

“We are here at the call of our president, to defend the revolution,” said 37-year-old housewife Carolina Aponte at the pro-government rally.

The authorities arrested three opposition leaders in the days ahead of the march. Senior opposition figure Henrique Capriles said yesterday that two mayors had also been arrested.

Thursday’s marches remained mostly peaceful, finishing in the mid-afternoon, but isolated clashes between demonstrators and security officers did occur, with some violent incidents reported in other cities.

Venezuela Opposition Protest Police officers aim tear gas at anti-government protesters. Fernando Llano / AP/Press Association Images Fernando Llano / AP/Press Association Images / AP/Press Association Images

After the protest, state security agents fired tear gas against protesters who tried to block the main highway of the city after a group of masked men threw stones at some officers.

Opposition leaders and human rights organizations also reported outbreaks of violence in Maracay and San Cristobal.

The MUD said in a statement it would hold two further nationwide demonstrations: at electoral offices on 7 September, and a “national mobilization day” on 14 September.

Referendum drive

The referendum’s timing lies at the heart of the battle.

If it takes place before 10 January and Maduro loses, new elections must be held. If he loses in a recall after that date, he would simply hand power to his hand-picked vice president.

Maduro said yesterday he had prepared a decree to strip lawmakers in the National Assembly of their immunity. He accused the opposition speaker of the legislature, Henry Ramos Allup, of inciting violence.

Venezuela Iran Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro flashes victory, right, as shakes hands with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif during a meeting at Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas AP Photo / Ariana Cubillos AP Photo / Ariana Cubillos / Ariana Cubillos

The opposition “cannot be intimidated,” Ramos retorted.

“President Maduro, look at all these people who have poured into the streets of Caracas,” he said.

The polling firm Venebarometro says 64% of the electorate would vote against Maduro. A study by another pollster, Datanalisis, indicated eight out of 10 Venezuelans want a change of government.

Maduro blames the crisis on the collapse of oil prices and an “economic war” by businesses backed by US “imperialism”.

He faces deep public discontent over shortages of basic goods and an inflation rate projected to hit 720% this year.

Analysts have warned of a repeat of the deadly 2014 clashes that left numerous opposition leaders in prison.

© – AFP, 2016

Read: How does an oil-rich country with an economy bigger than New Zealand have food shortages?

Read: After switching to a two-day work week, Venezuela moves clocks forward to save power

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    Mute Trevor Beale
    Favourite Trevor Beale
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 6:45 AM

    They’d want to start by sorting out these water charges. Should be top of their agenda.

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    Mute Roscom-Man
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 6:36 AM

    I hope they are well rested after their break. What an absolute pack of wasters. Joan Burton has been offered a position as a forwards coach on the Irish ladies Rugby team. A very accomplished No.8 in her day

    34
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    Mute Ian McG
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 7:38 AM

    Kenny can’t even manage a smile properly! What a nonsense photo though with them all trying to look hip

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    Mute KentuckyWindage
    Favourite KentuckyWindage
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 6:53 AM

    Who took this awful photo?
    My beloved Joan’s features are all blurred. The twinkle in her eye may be dimmed in this photo, but nothing can change the warmth of her heart.

    29
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    Mute Firas
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 9:16 AM

    LMFAO – Well done sir! Gave me a chuckle.

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    Mute Ian O'Donovan
    Favourite Ian O'Donovan
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 7:59 AM

    Forgot they were away..

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    Mute Chris Mackey
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 9:22 AM

    What do you mean they were but they are all ways away whats new. What we should be saying is Oh they are back

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    Mute Martin Coyle
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 8:16 AM

    God bless them all they look shattered, maybe we should give them a permanent rest.

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    Mute John Farrant
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 8:40 AM

    Maybe they will do nothing until the next concert comes along then they will be galvanised into action and be willing to change the law overnight to make Ireland a better place. I agree with one of the previous comments. They sould have been rested permanently.

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    Mute Gambon
    Favourite Gambon
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    Sep 3rd 2014, 7:09 AM

    CAN I JUST SAY …… We are back !!

    12
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