Tens of thousands of protesters asking for the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro flooded the streets again Thursday, one day after three people were killed and hundreds arrested in the biggest anti-government demonstrations in years.
The peaceful demonstrations come after weeks of violent protests that left at least 22 people dead. The most recent protests in Venezuela began on March 30 after Venezuela's Supreme Tribunal of Justice, or TSJ, said it would assume the National Assembly's duties - a ruling it later reversed.
"I have an empty stomach because I can't find food", said Jeannette Canozo, a 66-year-old homemaker, who said police used rubber bullets against protesters blocking a Caracas avenue with trash and bathtubs in the early morning. The clashes can be seen in this video.
"We note that the Organized Crime Bureau (DCDO) of the PNB [the Bolivarian National Police], has no jurisdiction in public order and the management of demonstrations", PROVEA (Venezuelan Human Rights Education and Action Program), a Venezuelan human rights organization, wrote on Twitter.
It was not immediately known whether he was a pro-government supporter or anti-Maduro.
Anti-government protesters have shut down main roads and highways across the Venezuelan capital Caracas, leading to confrontations with security forces.
He said in a television interview that the slain man was a pro-government demonstrator, and added that five other people were also badly wounded in clashes.
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Maduro resisted the opposition's efforts past year to hold a referendum on removing him from power. Maduro said Sunday he wanted the regional elections "now" but did not indicate a possible date for those or local ballots that are due this year.
Walking with black bands tied around their arms and carrying signs denouncing President Nicolas Maduro, protesters in Caracas Saturday were heading toward the Venezuelan Episcopal Conference, where they were expecting to pray for those killed.
Although it partly reversed course after an worldwide outcry, the move fueled widespread indignation in Venezuela that was heightened when an order came down barring Capriles from political office.
Rodriguez may have been referring to a widely circulated video on social media in which three lieutenants said they no longer recognize Maduro as President and commander in chief and warn of a possible civil war.
"I'm here because I'm exhausted", added Yorwin Ruiz, 26, also protesting in Caracas.
The opposition blames Maduro's regime for the deaths, whereas Maduro blames the opposition. But Maduro's popularity has since plummeted.
"Peaceful protests across the country will continue until Mr Maduro respects the constitution and ends his internal coup", Capriles tweeted Monday.
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