CARACAS, Venezuela (Reuters) – Dramatic images from Caracas on Thursday (July 06) as protesters and riot police faced off on the streets during heated protests against President Nicolas Maduro.
Thursday’s protest saw officers of the National Guard trade tear gas with rocks from protesters.
Young demonstrators wearing bandanas over their faces fled through the streets of the Venezuelan capital after police on motorcycles advanced on a blockade laid by demonstrators.
The violent scenes come nearly a week after Maduro claimed the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries was the victim of a coup, feeding claims from the government that the United States government and opposition are working to overthrow Miraflores Palace.
But critics of the government say the coup claims are part of a government plan to cement power.
Protesters have vowed to remain defiant against what they call a policy of repression by Maduro and his government.
Children were amongst those caught up in the violence after officers fired tear gas near a shopping center popular with families.
Paramedics at the scene treated infants and a baby for breathing difficulties from tear gas inhaled.
Some 90 people have died in three months of protests in Venezuela to call for early elections.
Maduro has dismissed early elections and instead announced his Constituent Assembly with powers to change the constitution.
