Venezuela: Opposition relaunches regular Friday protests

Event

Leaders of the FAVL (Frente Amplio Venezuela Libre) opposition coalition have announced that anti-government protests will be held weekly on Fridays throughout the country until further notice. The first such protest took place in the capital Caracas on June 8, focusing on the lack of drinking water in the city as well as food and medicine shortages. Increased security measures, clashes between protesters and police, and traffic disruptions are expected around all protests.

Context

FAVL is an umbrella group that includes the opposition coalition MUD (Mesa de la Unidad Democrática) and various unions, business groups, student and teacher organizations, and religious groups. Its leaders have organized a number of nationwide demonstrations in recent months, particularly against the presidential election that took place on May 20.

In the first half of 2017, Venezuela was shaken by four months of violent anti-government protests, coinciding with ongoing political, economic, social, and health crises. Significant unrest also broke out in 2014 following the last presidential elections and again in early 2016. All told, hundreds of people have been killed during protests - many by security forces who have repeatedly been accused of excessive use of force - with thousands more injured and arrested.

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to strictly avoid all protests and political events due to the high likelihood of violence and to keep abreast of the sociopolitical climate.