Venezuela: Women’s march in Caracas during deadly unrest

Event

A women's rally is set to take place in Caracas on Saturday, May 6, amidst widespread rioting. Protesters at the women's rally, to begin in downtown Caracas, have been urged to wear white ; a symbol of defiance against what organizers claim is a repressive government. Pro-government women's groups are allegedly planning a counter-demonstration.

The demonstrations are likely to last the entirety of Saturday, and transportation disruptions throughout Caracas are likely. A large security presence will be deployed, and the possibility of clashes between protesters and security forces is likely.

Context

A student leader was shot dead on Thursday, May 4 in Caracas, as crowds of students clashed with riot police firing tear gas on protesters.

The current wave of protests has virtually paralyzed Caracas, with many schools closed amid the violence and roads blocked by protesters and government forces. At least 37 people have been killed in protests and associated rioting during the last month; more than 450 people have been injured and nearly 1350 arrested.

Demonstrators are denouncing a wide range of grievances as well as demanding elections be held. Venezuela has been devastated by a long series of 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. 

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.