22 Jun 2018 | 07:34 PM UTC
Venezuela: Soldiers deployed to food markets June 21
President Nicolás Maduro orders soldiers to take control of 100 municipal food markets to control prices on June 21; protests possible
Event
On Thursday, June 21, President Nicolás Maduro ordered soldiers to temporarily take control of almost 100 municipal food markets, including in the capital Caracas. Local media sources reported that around 50 soldiers armed with rifles were deployed into the Coche market in the capital. According to Tareck El Aissami, the Minister for Industry and Production, the security personnel are taking over the markets to prevent prices from escalating and shop owners from hoarding food and other goods. A number of people were reportedly arrested during the operation. As of Friday, June 22, the government has not announced how long security forces will remain in control of the markets. Protests against the new policy, as well as clashes between demonstrators and security forces, cannot be ruled out.
Context
President Maduro claims that Venezuela is currently facing an “economic war” and that international sanctions and greedy business owners have caused current shortages. Venezuela has for years suffered from hyperinflation, along with other economic and financial crises. According to analysts, the current monthly rate of inflation has reached 100 percent, the highest in the world.
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. While the incidence of protests has fallen significantly in recent months, the potential for further large-scale demonstrations and associated violence persists.
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.
