Venezuela: Protests and violent oppression expected to continue until further notice

Event

Protests and marches are scheduled from May 8 to 13 in Caracas and throughout the country, and should be expected to be met with heavy resistance from security forces. On Monday, May 8, protesters threw stones and explosive devices in parts of Caracas, while three people were shot in the town of Merida. Nineteen journalists were also reportedly attacked on Monday, including a team of television journalists that were reportedly covered in gasoline and threatened to be set on fire by demonstrators. Severe unrest and regular outbreaks of violence should be expected until further notice.

The opposition coalition boycotted the National Constituent Assembly on Monday, claiming that the 500-person assembly created by President Nicolas Maduro to draft a new constitution is illegitimate and the selection process designed to rig the election. While half of the members are to be elected based on counties, the other half will be elected or chosen from various sectors of society such as the "working class" and "social movements."

Context

The current wave of protests has virtually paralyzed Caracas, with many schools closed amid the violence and roads regularly blocked by protesters and government forces. At least 36 people have been killed in protests and associated rioting; more than 400 people have been injured and nearly 1300 arrested.

Demonstrators are denouncing a wide range of grievances as well as demanding elections be held. Venezuela has been devastated by a long series of crises affecting the restive country in recent months and years, including a breakdown of the democratic system, major shortages of gasoline, medications, food, and other basic necessities, an alarming spike in rates of violent crime, massive inflation and economic recession, and a resurgence of disease.

Advice

Individuals in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities are advised to limit movements, to strictly avoid all protests and roadblocks due to the likelihood of violence, and to closely monitor the situation.