So now is
probably the time to mention, while I do care and try to stay informed on
international concerns, my focus is usually domestic. Again, I’m hearing mixed
things about Venezuela as to the conflict. The government is claiming it is
coup backed by countries opposed to the current government, while some press
outlets are claiming the protestors are resisting tyranny.
Last week,
thousands of people took to the streets in Caracas, which left at least four
people death (three protestors and one government supporter). The conflict is occurring
between the pro-government armed groups (colectivos) who have been accused of
using violence against the protestors, who are being accused of trying to stage
a coup against President Maduro. The government has blocked the regional new
channel and papers were restricted. A Twitter spokesperson says Twitter was
blocked by the government after opposition supporters were “reportedly using
false images to depict police brutality.”
The leader
of the opposition is Mr. Leopoldo
Lopez and after speaking to supporters at his home he turned himself over
to the National Guard. Lopez said, he wanted his arrest to bring awareness of
the county to “unjust justice.” Lopez was wanted on charges of inciting
violence during the protests. President Maduro said Lopez would be brought to
justice. Lopez has denied the charges against himself.
The
country is reportedly very polarized. The anti-government protestors are
protesting Venezuela’s homicide rate, high inflation, crime, and shortages of
staples. Lopez called on supporters to march, saying, “I will walk alone. I won’t
put any Venezuelan lives at risk. Go Venezuela!” Government supporters held a
counter march. The US state department
denied allegations they had anything to do with the anti-government protest.
Venezuela announced they would expel three US diplomats for meeting with
students who led the march.
So we can’t
forget the US has a long history of pushing for coups and anti-government
demonstrations when we don’t like the government in power, which we don’t in
Venezuela. However, the Venezuelan government is pretty messed up. Also wouldn’t
be the first time a coup happened in Venezuela. As of Tuesday night, Venezuela saw violence unlike it has seen since the 1980s. Anyone who has a better grasp
on what is happening here or some good sources let me know.
