Venezuela: Opposition calls for general strike July 26-27 /update 1

Event

Political opposition leaders have called for a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, July 26, and Thursday, July 27. Major protests are expected to take place in urban centers around the country, particularly in the capital city of Caracas. The United States Embassy has warned that most businesses are expected to be closed during the strike and advised individuals to take precautionary measures, such as gathering enough food and water to sustain them for at least 72 hours in case conditions deteriorate and sheltering in place is necessary. Simon Calzadilla, a member of the Unidad Democratica party, has also called for a protest march in Caracas on Friday, July 28. Violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces are likely.

Context

The opposition is calling for President Nicolás Maduro to cancel the planned vote on Sunday, July 20, for the constituent assembly. According to a straw poll organized by the opposition on July 16, 98 percent of the around 7.6 million participants are against the vote. Tensions have also increased after President Maduro announced on Sunday, July 23, that the opposition-appointed alternative Supreme Court judges will be imprisoned. According to media reports, one judge was arrested on Saturday, July 22.

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. The opposition has announced that it plans 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.

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 the risk of arbitrary arrest, and to closely monitor developments to the situation.