Venezuela: Opposition calls for 24-hour strike July 20 /update 3

Event

Venezuelan opposition groups, under the umbrella of the Democratic Unity Coalition (MUD), have called for a 24-hour nationwide strike to take place on Thursday, July 20, after the results of a "straw poll" on Sunday, July 16. Approximately 7.6 million people participated in the straw poll and 98 percent of voters rejected the proposed new assembly and called for general elections before the end of Maduro's term. Venezuelan government officials called the vote a fraud and accused the media of collaborating with opposition parties to exaggerate the results.

The opposition has also announced that it would take steps to set up a "national unity" government and name alternative judges for the pro-Maduro Supreme Court, leading to speculation that a parallel state structure is being formed.

Opposition leaders have repeatedly stated that they will intensify their attempts to form a new government. Further strikes and protests are likely in the coming days and weeks. Clashes between protesters and security forces are also likely.

Context

Approximately 100 people have been killed and 1500 more injured due to social unrest since the beginning of the current wave of anti-government protests began in early April of this year. Anti-government supporters may be increasing their activity since Leopoldo Lopez, a prominent opposition leader, was released from a military prison on July 8 to serve the remainder of his 14-year sentence under house arrest.

Violent and often deadly clashes between protesters and security forces continue to occur on a near-daily basis in Venezuela, most notably in the capital city of Caracas. The vast majority of the victims have been killed by security forces, who have repeatedly been accused of excessive use of force, and the situation continues to escalate with no resolution in sight. Pro-government militias are also reportedly behind some of the violence.

These developments follow on a long series of progressively worsening 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. Protesters regularly demand early elections, the resignation of President Maduro, the release of political prisoners, and humanitarian assistance from the government.

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.