Venezuela: Opposition calls for protests on October 5

Event

Political opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for public sector employees and affected residents who demand improvements in deficient public services to protest nationwide on Monday, October 5. The announcement follows multiple spontaneous demonstrations against the Nicolas Maduro government in recent weeks where hundreds of people have reportedly been arrested or detained. Specifically, Guaido has asked teachers to turn out for the demonstrations to demand salary improvements and to denounce poor telecommunications and internet services that make remote learning difficult following the suspension of face-to-face classes for the remainder of the year due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Additional protest action and unrest should be anticipated in the near term. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are expected near any demonstration site, and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.  

Advice

Individuals in Venezuela are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.