Molotov cocktails used in Caracas

Tempers flare in anti-government rally with weapons unleashed by both sides

CARACAS // Police in the Venezuelan capital fired tear gas, water cannon and rubber bullets at protesters in the fourth round of anti-government rallies in a week, with some demonstrators throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails.

About 4,000 people attended the rally in Caracas in protest against the leftist government of president Nicolas Maduro banning opposition leader Henrique Capriles from office for 15 years.

Mr Capriles narrowly lost the 2013 presidential election that brought Mr Maduro to power after the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez – the father of Venezuela’s socialist revolution.

Violence broke out at Saturday’s rally when protesters in the east of the city changed course at Mr Capriles’s request and headed downtown toward the government ombudsman’s office.

The district – home to many government offices – is a pro- Maduro bastion and the president’s supporters were holding a “cultural, sporting and recreational rally” there.

The tally of injuries stood at 17, said the mayor of one of Caracas’s districts.

According to Mr Capriles, the building where he carries out his political activities was “attacked with bombs” shortly after the demonstration.

“What is the order of Maduro? To kill us? If something happens, you know who is responsible and what must be done!” he wrote on Twitter. Mr Capriles, 44, was among the leaders behind demonstrations against Mr Maduro earlier this week that triggered clashes with police. One protester died.

“This thing they just did to Capriles is the product of tyranny,” said Adel Rincones, 61, who clutched a sign reading: “Venezuela is wounded in the heart with hunger, misery, corruption, dictatorship.”

Protests also erupted in several other cities, including San Cristobal where armed men set off explosions, causing demonstrators to flee.

In Caracas, violent clashes went on for about three hours before demonstrators dispersed.

Intelligence services chief Gustavo Gonzalez said some leaders of a “fascist terrorist cell” were taken into custody for fomenting unrest.

He said Mr Capriles was a leader of this cell but did not comment on his status.

Fifty-one people were arrested nationwide on Saturday, 17 were released, the NGO Criminal Justice Forum said. State comptroller Manuel Galindo imposed the ban on Mr Capriles because of alleged “administrative irregularities” during his time as governor of the northern state of Miranda.

The opposition leader said he would appeal the decision and stay in his job as governor, which he has held since 2008.

Mr Capriles can appeal against his sanction within two weeks to the comptroller and within six months to the supreme court.

The collapse in prices for Venezuela’s oil exports has sapped the country’s revenues.

Venezuelans are suffering from shortages of food, medicine and basic goods along with a surge in violent crime.

The opposition blames Mr Maduro for the economic crisis. He says it is because of a capitalist conspiracy backed by the United States.

More protests are planned for next week, with one of the bigger demonstrations expected on April 19 – a Venezuelan national holiday.

‘ This thing they just did to Capriles is the product of tyranny Adel Rincones protester