Venezuela protests: ‘Four dead’ as thousands rally against Maduro
Thousands of people are gathering across Venezuela to march in protest against President Nicolás Maduro.
Four people are said to have died in clashes before the protests, as riot police mobilise to guard demonstrators.
National Assembly president Juan Guaidó, who organised the opposition march, called it a “historic appointment”.
The US government has signalled its support of Mr Guaidó and called for President Maduro to go.
Early images from Wednesday’s protests show some demonstrators facing off against National Guard security forces in the capital Caracas.
Anti-government protestors have turned up in “many cities” across the country, newspaper Tal Cual reported Wednesday.
Other demonstrations are being held in support of Mr Maduro.
US Vice-President Mike Pence has publicly signalled his support for opposition protestors.
In an opinion piece for the Wall Street Journal, Mr Pence said the US “strongly supports the National Assembly and Mr Guaidó”.
“Nicolás Maduro has no legitimate claim to power,” he wrote. “Nicolás Maduro must go.
Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodriguez dismissed Mr Pence’s intervention, reportedly telling a news conference “Yankee go home”.
The opposition protest aims to back an attempt by Mr Guaidó to establish a transitional administration ahead of new elections.
The governing Socialist Party has announced a rival protest to counter the opposition march.
Wednesday’s demonstrations come just two days after 27 National Guard soldiers allegedly revolted against the government at a guard post in the capital, Caracas.
Government officials dismissed it as a cover to steal weapons.
Addressing soldiers on Monday, Mr Guaidó promised amnesty for those who refused to serve the government.
“We’re not asking you to launch a coup d’état, we’re not asking you to shoot,” he said. “We’re asking you not to shoot at us.”
Source: BBC