VENEZUELA: Thousands protest Maduro’s bid to amend constitution

Police on motorbikes have fired tear gas to break up an opposition march on Venezuela’s Supreme Court to stop President Nicolas Maduro from proceeding with his plans to rewrite the constitution. Thousands gathered in the capital Caracas to march on the Supreme Court, but security forces blocked their way with armoured vehicles and riot shields. […]

Police on motorbikes have fired tear gas to break up an opposition march on Venezuela’s Supreme Court to stop President Nicolas Maduro from proceeding with his plans to rewrite the constitution.

Thousands gathered in the capital Caracas to march on the Supreme Court, but security forces blocked their way with armoured vehicles and riot shields.

Clashes ensued, injuring several people including student protester Wuilly Arteaga, who has become famous for playing his violin in front of security lines.

“Repression is the only way this regime keeps itself in power,” opposition lawmaker Luis Florido said at the march, blaming the Maduro government for the latest violence.

The rally was also meant as a show of support for a slate of 33 magistrates appointed by the opposition-controlled congress to replace Venezuela’s Supreme Court, which is closely allied with Maduro.