Venezuela: Pro- and anti-government marches in Caracas Jan. 23

Event

Officials are calling for a pro-government march to be held in Caracas on Tuesday, January 23. Demonstrators will reportedly gather at the Plaza Morelos at 10:00 (local time) before proceeding to the Plaza O'Leary.

Additionally, the political opposition coalition MUD is also planning to hold marches in Caracas on Tuesday. Participants are expected to gather at Avenida O'Higgens, the Santa Mónica area,the Santa Fe area, Parque del Este, and Avenida Los Cedros at around 10:00. The protesters will then march from the assembly points to the National Electoral Council headquarters (CNE).

An increased security presence is likely and clashes between opposition protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Localized transportation delays should also be anticipated.

Context

The pro-government march is being held to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the overthrow of President Marcos Pérez Jiménez, considered by many to have been a dictator, during a military coup.

In early 2017, Venezuela was shaken by four months of anti-government protests, coinciding with ongoing political, economic, social, and health crises. While the rate and intensity of protests has fallen significantly in recent months, the potential for further large-scale protests and associated violence remains. Scores of people were killed in the protests, the majority by security forces who have repeatedly been accused of excessive use of force.

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to strictly avoid all large public gatherings due to the likelihood of violence.​