The Venezuelan Protests In Photos

Following the death of ever-contentious political figure Hugo Chávez in April 2013, President Nicolas Maduro has held the reins of Venezuela’s future. And from the looks of it, Maduro doesn’t hold much stock in what that might bring. Since taking office, Venezuela has seen a huge surge in currency devaluation, inflation and budgetary deficits, to the point where China recently reneged on it’s $20 billion loan, and both Moody’s and Standard and Poor reduced Venezuela’s bond rating to “junk” status.

Add to that the perennial concerns over the Venezuelan government’s iron clad grip on media outlets and general…distaste…for open, unbridled dissent, and you’ve got yourself one helluva storm brewing. Presently, the anti-Maduro opposition is being led by Leopoldo López, who has been charged with–get this–murder and terrorism after riot police opened fire on an anti-government demonstration in Caracas. While López was arrested on Tuesday, he had harsh words for Maduro and co (who are presently concerned with pinning the blame on “fascist” US allies and the “parasitic bourgeoisie”, not themselves). Said López, “The change we want is in every one of us. Let us not surrender. I will not!”

It remains to be seen what will become of Maduro, López and Venezuela, but the scenes below depict a Venezuela not unlike that of the 1989 Caracazo riots. You know, the ones that led to regime change and the rise of Hugo Chávez himself.