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| caption = {{collapsible list
|title={{center|{{small|Images from top to bottom and from left to right:}}}}
|1={{center|{{flatlist|{{small|Opposition march in [[Caracas]] on 12 February 2014
}}
| date = 12 February 2014 – ''ongoing''<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days | year1= 2014 | month1 = 2| day1=12}})
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* '''[[Movimiento Estudiantil (Venezuela)|Movimiento Estudiantil]]'''<br />{{small|(Student opposition organization)}}
----
'''[[Resistencia (Venezuela)|Resistencia]]'''
'''National Equilibrium''' <small>(2017-18)</small><br/>
----
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* [[Jorge Arreaza]]
* [[Luisa Ortega Díaz]] (defected)
| howmany1 = Hundreds of thousands
* Tens of thousands of student protesters<ref>{{cite news|title= Venezuela: Tens of thousands march in anti-government protests |url= https://articles.latimes.com/2014/mar/02/world/la-fg-wn-venezuela-protest-marches-caracas-20140302 | access-date= 12 April 2014| newspaper= The Los Angeles Times|date=2 March 2014}}</ref><ref name =barefoot>{{cite news|title = Barefoot in Venezuela |url= http://www.newsweek.com/barefoot-venezuela-246637 | access-date = 17 April 2014| publisher = Reuters | newspaper = Newsweek |date = 17 April 2014}}</ref>
| howmany2 = Hundreds of thousands of pro-government demonstrators<ref>{{cite news| title = Vargas Llosa to visit Venezuela to back anti-Maduro groups|url= https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-26844957 | access-date=12 April 2014|newspaper=News | publisher = BBC|date=1 April 2014}}</ref>
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*12 {{small|(2016)}}<ref name="2016deaths">{{plainlist|1=
{{bullet}}{{cite news|last1=Polanco|first1=Anggy|last2=Ramirez|first2=Carlos|title=Two Venezuelan police officers killed in protest|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-venezuela-protests-idUSKCN0WV2K3|access-date=3 April 2016|work=[[Reuters]]|date=29 March 2016}}<br />
{{bullet}}{{cite news|title=Venezuela Investigating Death of Protester as Unrest Rises |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/venezuela-investigating-death-protester-unrest-rises-39821804 |access-date=14 June 2016 |agency=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]] |date=13 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160613201843/http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/venezuela-investigating-death-protester-unrest-rises-39821804 |archive-date=13 June 2016 }}<br />
{{bullet}}{{cite news|title=Extraoficial: Tres fallecidos habrían dejado saqueos en Cumaná|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2016/06/14/extraoficial-tres-fallecidos-habrian-dejado-saqueos-en-cumana/|access-date=14 June 2016|agency=[[La Patilla]]|date=14 June 2016}}<br />
{{bullet}}{{cite news|title=Con multitudinarias marchas, oposición venezolana presionó a Maduro para que reactive referendo|url=http://www.ambito.com/860181-con-multitudinarias-marchas-oposicion-venezolana-presiono-a-maduro-para-que-reactive-referendo|access-date=27 October 2016|work=[[Ámbito Financiero]]|date=26 October 2016}}
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}}
{{Crisis in Bolivarian Venezuela}}
In 2014, a series of protests, political demonstrations, and civil insurrection began in [[Venezuela]] due to the country's high levels of urban violence, [[inflation]], and chronic shortages of basic goods and services.<ref>{{cite news|title= Venezuela's Maduro says 2013 annual inflation was 56.2 pct|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-inflation-annual-idUSL2N0K90V020131230|access-date= 19 January 2014|newspaper= Reuters|date= 30 December 2013|archive-date= 16 January 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140116190842/http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/30/venezuela-inflation-annual-idUSL2N0K90V020131230|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Venezuela Inflation Hits 16-Year High as Shortages Rise|url= https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-11-07/venezuela-inflation-hits-16-year-high-as-shortages-rise.html |access-date=16 February 2014|newspaper= Bloomberg|date= 7 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/05/venezuela-is-falling-apart/481755/|title=Venezuela Is Falling Apart|last=Toro|first=Moisés Naím, Francisco|date=2016-05-12|website=The Atlantic|language=en-US|access-date=2019-03-03}}</ref> Explanations for these worsening conditions vary,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.truthdig.com/articles/why-venezuela-reporting-is-so-bad/|title=How Biased Western Reportage Has Harmed Venezuela|website=Truthdig: Expert Reporting, Current News, Provocative Columnists|date=5 July 2018 |access-date=2019-03-03}}</ref> with analysis blaming strict price controls,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2092rank.html|title=Inflation rate (consumer prices)|work=[[CIA World Factbook]]|access-date=26 February 2014|archive-date=17 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200517135518/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2092rank.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="economist.com">{{cite news|url = http://www.economist.com/node/21526365 |access-date=23 February 2014|title=Venezuela's economy: Medieval policies|newspaper = [[The Economist]]}}</ref>
By 2016, protests occurred following the controversy surrounding the [[2015 Venezuelan parliamentary election]]s as well as the incidents surrounding the [[Presidency of Nicolás Maduro#Recall referendum|2016 recall referendum]]. On 1 September 2016, one of the largest demonstration of the protests occurred
During the [[2017 Venezuelan protests]], the [[Mother of all Protests]] involved from 2.5 million to 6 million protesters.{{citation needed|date=November 2023}} The [[2019 Venezuelan protests|2019 protests]] began in early January after the National Assembly declared the May 2018 presidential elections invalid and declared [[Juan Guaidó]] acting president, resulting in a [[
On 27 September 2018, the United States government declared new sanctions on individuals in Venezuelan government. They included Maduro's wife [[Cilia Flores]], Vice President [[Delcy Rodriguez]], Minister of Communications [[Jorge Rodríguez (Venezuelan politician)|Jorge Rodriguez]] and Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/usa/trump-venezuelan-socialist-president-easily-toppled|title=Trump: Venezuelan Socialist President Easily Toppled | Voice of America - English|website=www.voanews.com}}</ref> On 27 September 2018, the [[UN Human Rights Council]] adopted a resolution for the first time on [[Human rights in Venezuela|human rights]] abuses in Venezuela.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/americas/venezuela|title=Venezuela | Country Page | World | Human Rights Watch|website=www.hrw.org}}</ref> 11 Latin American countries proposed the resolution including [[Mexico]], Canada and Argentina.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/09/27/venezuela-landmark-un-rights-council-resolution|title=Venezuela: Landmark UN Rights Council Resolution|date=27 September 2018|website=Human Rights Watch}}</ref> On 23 January 2019, ''[[El Tiempo (Colombia)|El Tiempo]]'' revealed a protest count, showing over 50,000 registered protests in Venezuela since 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/venezuela/50-000-protestas-en-la-era-maduro-en-venezuela-317896&usg=AOvVaw1q6rSYQQIMPIoQAv4aROma|title=En Venezuela se han dado cerca de 50.000 protestas en la era Maduro|website=El Tiempo|language=es|access-date=23 January 2019}}</ref> In 2020, organized protests against Maduro had largely subsided, especially due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic in Venezuela]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-09-20 |title=UN rights experts report a rise of efforts in Venezuela to curtail democracy ahead of 2024 election |url=https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/un-rights-experts-report-a-rise-of-efforts-in-venezuela-to-curtail-democracy-ahead-of-2024-election |access-date=2023-11-20 |website=[[PBS NewsHour]] |language=en-us}}</ref>
==Background==
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=== First demonstrations of 2014 ===
{{main|2014 Venezuelan protests}}
[[File:PROTEST REASONS sign.jpg|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|right|Protesters sign saying, "Why do I protest? Insecurity, scarcity, injustices, repression, deceit. For my future."]]
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[[File:Colectivo motorcyclists Venezuela.jpg|250px|thumb|Masked Venezuelan motorcyclists are often associated with colectivos.<ref name="MEDIUM">{{cite web|title=Pro-Government Motorcycle Militias Terrorize Venezuela|url=https://medium.com/war-is-boring/pro-government-motorcycle-militias-terrorize-venezuela-a9375607c800|website=Medium|date=22 February 2014|access-date=31 January 2015}}</ref><ref name="HUFFPOSTcolectivo">{{cite news|title=Venezuela Motorcylce Gang Videos Show Terror And Violence In Support Of Maduro|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/25/venezuela-motorcycle-gangs-vidoes-colectivos_n_4855640.html|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=Huffington Post|date=25 February 2014}}</ref><ref name="ABCmarch2013">{{cite news|last1=Markovits|first1=Martin|last2=Rueda|first2=Manuel|title=Venezuela Election is a High Stakes Affair for Local Vigilante Groups|url=https://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/ABC_Univision/venezuela-election-high-stakes-affair-local-vigilante-groups/story?id=18822407&singlePage=true|access-date=1 December 2014|agency=ABC News|date=27 March 2013}}</ref>]]
Militant groups known as ''"[[Colectivo (Venezuela)|colectivos]]"'' attacked protesters and opposition TV staff, sent death threats to journalists, and [[Tear gas|tear-gassed]] the [[Holy See (The Vatican)|Vatican]] envoy after [[Hugo Chávez]] accused these groups of intervening with his government. Colectivos helped assist the government during the protests.<ref name="reuters colectivo">{{cite news|last=Wallis|first=Daniel|title=Venezuela violence puts focus on militant 'colectivo' groups|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/venezuela-protests-colectivos-idUSL2N0LI14W20140213|access-date=22 February 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=13 February 2014|archive-date=26 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140226160034/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/13/venezuela-protests-colectivos-idUSL2N0LI14W20140213|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]] said that "the government of Venezuela has tolerated and promoted groups of armed civilians," which HRW claims have "intimidated protesters and initiated violent incidents".<ref name=HRWcolectivo>{{cite web|title=Venezuela: Violence Against Protesters, Journalists|date=21 February 2014|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2014/02/21/venezuela-violence-against-protesters-journalists|publisher=Human Rights Watch|access-date=21 March 2014}}</ref> [[Socialist International]] also condemned the impunity that irregular groups have had while attacking protesters.<ref name=SIendtoviolence>{{cite web|title=Venezuela : for an end to the violence|url=http://www.socialistinternational.org/viewArticle.cfm?ArticleID=2284|publisher=Socialist International|access-date=15 May 2014}}</ref> President Maduro has thanked certain groups of motorcyclists for their help against what he views as a "fascist coup d'etat... being waged by the extreme right", but also distanced himself from armed groups, stating that they "had no place in the revolution".<ref name=USAcolectivo>{{cite news|title=Protesters back in streets in Venezuela|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/02/24/ex-venezuelan-general-standoff/5772237/|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=USA Today|date=24 February 2014}}</ref> On a later occasion, President Maduro issued a condemnation of all violent groups and said a government supporter would go to jail if he performed a crime, just as an opposition supporter would. He said that someone who is violent has no place as a government supporter and thus should leave the pro-government movement immediately.<ref name=autogenerated1>{{cite web|title=Maduro no aceptará grupos violentos y armados en el chavismo y advierte que podrian ir a la carcel|url=http://www.noticias24.com/venezuela/noticia/222386/maduro-no-aceptara-grupos-violentos-y-armados-en-el-chavismo-y-advierte-que-podrian-ir-a-la-carcel/|publisher=Noticias21|access-date=17 April 2014|archive-date=9 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141209001056/http://www.noticias24.com/venezuela/noticia/222386/maduro-no-aceptara-grupos-violentos-y-armados-en-el-chavismo-y-advierte-que-podrian-ir-a-la-carcel/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:
Some ''"colectivos"'' have acted violently against the opposition without impediment from Venezuelan government forces.<ref name="lapatilla.com">{{cite news | title =Colectivos de paz accionan armas de fuego en la Rómulo Gallegos ante mirada de la GNB|url = http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2014/02/19/colectivos-de-paz-accionan-armas-de-fuego-en-la-romulo-gallegos-ante-mirada-de-la-gnb/ |access-date=19 February 2014|newspaper=La Patilla|date=19 February 2014}}</ref> Vice President of Venezuela, [[Jorge Arreaza]], praised colectivos saying, "If there has been exemplary behavior it has been the behavior of the motorcycle colectivos that are with the Bolivarian revolution."<ref name=APcolectivo>{{cite news|title=Armed pro-govt militias roil Venezuela protests|url=http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2014-03-30-Venezuela-Loyalist%20Militias/id-ea31fc1b693a498da7c38a8a2ac41b22|access-date=31 March 2014|newspaper=The Associated Press|date=30 March 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205105816/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/cae69a7523db45408eeb2b3a98c0c9c5/Article_2014-03-30-Venezuela-Loyalist%20Militias/id-ea31fc1b693a498da7c38a8a2ac41b22|archive-date=5 December 2014|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, on 28 March 2014, Arreaza promised that the government would disarm all irregular armed groups in Venezuela.<ref>{{cite news|title=Arreaza promete desarme de grupos armados|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/140328/arreaza-promete-desarme-de-grupos-armados|access-date=6 April 2014|newspaper=El Universal|date=28 March 2014}}</ref> Colectivos have also been called a "fundamental pillar in the defense of the homeland" by the Venezuelan Prison Minister, [[Iris Varela]].<ref>{{cite news|title=A tale of two prisoners|url=https://www.economist.com/news/americas/21596945-after-opposition-leader-arrested-violence-continues-unabated-tale-two-prisoners|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=Economist|date=20 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Varela: Colectivos son el pilar para la defensa de la patria|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/140215/varela-colectivos-son-el-pilar-para-la-defensa-de-la-patria|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=El Universal|date=15 February 2014}}</ref>
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==== Use of firearms ====
[[File:Lilian Tintori Brazil Senate.jpg|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|right|[[Lilian Tintori]] alongside Brazilian senators presenting a photo of Geraldine Moreno, who was killed after being shot in the face
Government forces have used firearms to control protests.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/investigacion/video---uniformados-y-civiles-dispararon-en-candel.aspx |title=Video - Uniformados y civiles dispararon en Candelaria el 12F |work=Últimas Noticias |access-date=7 March 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305005100/http://www.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/investigacion/video---uniformados-y-civiles-dispararon-en-candel.aspx |archive-date=5 March 2016 }}</ref> Amnesty International reported that they had "received reports of the use of pellet guns and tear gas shot directly at protesters at short range and without warning" and that "Such practices violate international standards and have resulted in the death of at least one protester." They also said that "Demonstrators detained by government forces at times have been denied medical care and access to lawyers".<ref name=AIabuses/>
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[[File:Lacrimógenas vencidas 28Feb14, Altamira (13974250829).jpg|250px|thumb|left|Image of a tear gas canister that expired in 2002, used during the protests]]
[[File:Venezuelan tear gas cannisters.jpg|250px|thumb|right|Several tear gas canisters produced by CAVIM fired in 2017. Fabrication and expiration dates
In April 2014, Amnesty International worried about "the use of chemical toxins in high concentrations” by government forces and recommended better training for them.<ref name=AIabuses/>
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====Abuse of protesters and detainees====
[[File:Venezuela National Guard Headlock.jpg|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|right|[[Venezuelan National Guard|National Guard]]sman holding a protester in a [[Grappling hold#Other|headlock]].]]
According to Amnesty International, "torture is commonplace" against protesters by Venezuelan authorities despite Article 46 of the Venezuelan Constitution prohibiting "punishment, torture or cruel, [[inhuman or degrading treatment]]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Amnistía: tortura es habitual en Venezuela|date=13 May 2014 |url=http://www.voanoticias.com/content/venezuela_tortura/1913227.html|publisher=Voz de America|access-date=14 May 2014}}</ref> During the protests, there were hundreds of reported cases of torture.<ref>{{cite news|title=Estudiantes piden a la ONU una misión de investigación|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/protestas-en-venezuela/140618/estudiantes-piden-a-la-onu-una-mision-de-investigacion|access-date=20 June 2014|agency=El Universal|date=18 June 2014}}</ref> In a report titled ''Punished for Protesting'' following a March investigation of conduct during the protests, [[Human Rights Watch]] said that those who were detained by government authorities were subjected to "severe physical abuse" with some abuses including being beaten "with fists, helmets, and firearms; electric shocks or burns; being forced to [[Squatting position|squat]] or [[kneel]], without moving, for hours at a time; being handcuffed to other detainees, sometimes in pairs and others in human chains of dozens of people, for hours at a time; and extended periods of extreme cold or heat." It was also reported that "many victims and family members we spoke with said they believed they might face reprisals if they reported abuses by police, guardsmen, or armed pro-government gangs".<ref name=HRWpfp/>
Amnesty International "received reports from detainees who were forced to spend hours on their knees or feet in detention centers". Amnesty International also reported that a student was forced at gunpoint by plainclothes officers to sign a confession to acts he did not commit where his mother explained that “They told him that they would kill him if he didn’t sign it, ... He started to cry, but he wouldn’t sign it. They then wrapped him in foam sheets and started to hit him with rods and a fire extinguisher. Later, they doused him with gasoline, stating that they would then have evidence to charge him.” Amnesty International said that the Human Rights Center at the Andres Bello Catholic University had reported that, “There are two cases that involved electric shocks, two cases that involved pepper gas and another two cases where they were doused with gasoline,” she said. “We’ve found there to be systematic conduct on the part of the state to inflict inhumane treatment on detainees because of similar reports from different days and detention centers.”<ref name=AIabuses>{{cite news|title=Amnesty Reports Dozens of Venezuela Torture Accounts|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2014-04-01/amnesty-reports-dozens-of-venezuela-torture-accounts.html|access-date=13 April 2014|newspaper=Bloomberg}}</ref>[[File:UN_-_Venezuela_Continued_impunity_amid_dismal_human_rights_situation.webm|alt=
Human Rights Watch reported that a man was going home and was attacked by National Guardsman dispersing a group of protesters. He was then hit by rubber bullets the National Guardsmen shot, beat by the National Guardsmen, and then shot in the groin. Another man was detained, shot repeatedly with rubber bullets, beat with rifles and helmets by three National Guardsman and was asked "Who's your president?" Some individuals that were arrested innocently were beaten and forced to repeat that Nicolas Maduro was president.<ref name=HRWpfp/>
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[[File:Protesta en Caracas, 10May14c.jpg|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|Some protests have included incidents of arson, vandalism and other cases of violence.]]
Apart from peaceful demonstrations, an element in some protests includes burning trash, creating barricades and have resulted in violent clashes between the opposition and state authorities. Human Rights Watch said that protesters "who committed acts of violence at protests were a very small minority—usually less than a dozen people out of scores or hundreds of people present". It was reported that barricades were the most common form of protest and that occasional attacks on authorities with Molotov cocktails, rocks and slingshots occurred. In rare instances, homemade mortars were used by protesters. The use of Molotov Cocktails in some cases caught authorities and some government vehicles on fire.<ref name=HRWpfp/> President Maduro has stated that some protests "have included arson attacks on government buildings, universities and bus stations."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/08/venezuela-protests-sign-us-wants-oil-says-nicolas-maduro|title=Venezuela protests are sign that US wants our oil, says Nicolás Maduro|author=Seumas Milne|work=the Guardian|date=8 April 2014|access-date=7 March 2016}}</ref>
==== Barricades ====
Throughout the protests, a common tactic that has divided opinions among Venezuelans and the anti-government opposition has been erecting burning street barricades, colloquially known as ''guarimbas''.
[[File:Guarimba Wall Painting.JPG|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|right|A wall painting criticizing "guarimbas"]]
[[File:Barricade 2 Venezuela 2014.jpg|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|left|A barricade built by protesters blocking a street.]]
[[File:3 de mayo - Manifestación en contra del gobierno de Venezuela 03.jpg|upright=1.1364|thumbnail|Venezuelans protest Nicolás Maduro's government in May 2017]]
==== Attacks on public property ====
Public property was a target of protester violence. Attacks have been reported by Attorney General Luisa Ortega Diaz on the [[Public Ministry of Venezuela|Public Ministry]]'s headquarters;<ref>{{cite web|last=Bracho |first=Alejandro |title=Fiscal General denunció ataque a sede del Ministerio Público |url=http://sunoticiero.com/index.php/nacionales-not/40283-fiscal-general-denuncio-ataque-a-sede-del-ministerio-publico |publisher=sunoticiero.com |access-date=24 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222062942/http://sunoticiero.com/index.php/nacionales-not/40283-fiscal-general-denuncio-ataque-a-sede-del-ministerio-publico |archive-date=22 February 2014 }}</ref> and by Mayor
In some attacks, institutions have suffered severe damage. In anger over [[
Many vehicles have been destroyed, including those belonging to the national food distribution companies PDVAL<ref>{{cite web|title=Queman 5 vehículos de Pdval en Carabobo|url=http://www.reporteconfidencial.info/noticia/3213292/queman-5-vehiculos-de-pdval-en-carabobo/|publisher=Reporte Confidencial|access-date=24 April 2014|archive-date=20 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141220082219/http://www.reporteconfidencial.info/noticia/3213292/queman-5-vehiculos-de-pdval-en-carabobo/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Bicentenario.<ref>{{cite web|title=Violentos incendiaron gandola con alimentos en Maracaibo |url=http://www.ciudadccs.org.ve/?p=535489 |publisher=cuidadccs.org |access-date=24 April 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140224194259/http://www.ciudadccs.org.ve/?p=535489 |archive-date=24 February 2014 }}</ref> Electricity Minister [[Jesse
==Timeline of events==
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Into 2018, protests increased in numbers following the announcement of a [[snap election]], which eventually resulted with [[2018 Venezuelan presidential election|the re-election of Nicolás Maduro]]. After the election, protests once again began to disappear.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/07/04/observatorio-humanitario-social-registro-3-220-protestas-en-el-territorio-nacional-durante-primer-semestre-documento/|title=Observatorio Humanitario – Social registró 3.220 protestas en el territorio nacional durante primer semestre (DOCUMENTO)|date=2018-07-04|work=[[La Patilla]]|access-date=2018-07-04|language=es-ES}}</ref> According to the Venezuelan Observatory of Social Conflict, by June 2018 more than four thousand protests had occurred in 2018, an average of twenty daily protests, of which eight out of ten were to demand social rights.<ref>{{cite news |title=Observatorio de Conflictividad Social asegura que 8 de cada 10 protestas en Venezuela son por derechos sociales |url=http://www.ntn24.com/america-latina/el-informativo-ntn24/venezuela/observatorio-de-conflictividad-social-asegura-que-8-de |access-date=4 July 2018 |agency=NTN24 |date=30 June 2018 |language=es}}</ref> Other protests that took place the same year were marches against low health works salary and unions protests against hyperinflation in [[Venezuela]], starting in May 2018, and ending in August 2018, with none of their main focal points made with the government.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 July 2018 |title=Venezuela: More sectors join protests as opposition considers general strike |url=https://www.garda.com/fr/crisis24/alertes-de-securite/139191/venezuela-more-sectors-join-protests-as-opposition-considers-general-strike-update-2 |agency=Garda}}</ref> Lawyers, jobless workers and teachers also held strikes throughout the strike movement period, calling for salaries and better wage increases.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-07-18 |title=Abuelitos sacan a empujones a los colectivos que querían acabar con protesta en las Fuerzas Armadas (Video) |language=es-ES |work=[[La Patilla]] |url=https://www.lapatilla.com/2018/07/18/abuelitos-sacan-a-empujones-a-los-colectivos-que-querian-acabar-con-protesta-en-las-fuerzas-armadas-video/ |access-date=2018-07-18}}</ref> Protesters formed [[cacerolazo]], human chains, [[barricades]], [[Roadblock|roadblocks]] and [[Picketing|pickets]] nationwide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Enfermos de Parkinson exigen al Gobierno distribución urgente de medicamentos (Fotos y Videos) |url=https://www.lapatilla.com/site/2018/04/09/enfermos-de-parkinson-exigen-al-gobierno-distribucion-urgente-de-medicamentos-fotos-y-videos/ |access-date=2018-04-10 |website=[[La Patilla]] |language=es-ES}}</ref>
As a continuation of the [[2019 Venezuelan protests]], protests continued in 2020, leaving four dead in March. In April, demonstrations took place in at least 100 cities and towns nationwide against food shortages, calling for better conditions and an end to the escalating political crisis.<ref>{{cite web |date=30 September 2020 |title=Venezuela crisis: Anger over shortages triggers protests |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-54354225 |agency=BBC}}</ref> Protesters rallied in late-May for two days, striking against the government's handling of the [[COVID-19 pandemic]] and calling on an end to shortages of food, fuel and medicine. Rioting broke out in the next few hours. Police fired [[tear gas]] to quell the first wave of demonstrations, but police presence was scarce during the second wave of popular protests prompted by even further tensions, violence, killings, crisis and shortages.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 March 2020 |title=Venezuela protest: Opposition clashes with police |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/videos/2020/3/11/venezuela-protest-opposition-clashes-with-police |agency=Al Jazeera}}</ref> Four days of daily protests gained momentum and widespread unrest continued throughout over 105 areas in the country. Thousands participated in protests against late service deliveries and called on a solution to end the electricity, fuel and gas shortages. The wave of demonstrations and protests was the biggest since March. Two people were killed during the second wave of demonstrations.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 April 2020 |title=Riots Erupt in
==Domestic reactions==
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In March 2014, the Venezuelan government suggested that the protesters wanted to repeat the [[2002 Venezuelan coup d'état attempt]].{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} President Maduro also calls the opposition "fascists".<ref name=5myths>{{cite news|title=5 myths about the Venezuela crisis|url=http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/americas/venezuela/140304/5-myths-venezuela-crisis|access-date=31 March 2014|newspaper=Global Post|date=5 March 2014}}</ref>
President Maduro has said: "Beginning February 12, we have entered a new period in which the extreme right, unable to win democratically, seeks to win by fear, violence, subterfuge and [[media manipulation]]. They are more confident because the US government has always supported them despite their violence."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://afgj.org/alliance-for-global-justice-statement-on-right-wing-violence-in-venezuela | title = Statement on Right-Wing Violence in Venezuela | date = 18 February 2014 | publisher = Alliance for Global Justice | access-date = 21 February 2014}}</ref> In an op-ed in ''The New York Times'', President Maduro said that the protesters actions had caused several millions of dollars' worth of damage to public property. He continued, saying that the protesters have an undemocratic agenda to overthrow a democratically elected government, and that they are supported by the wealthy while receiving no support from the poor. He also added that crimes by government supporters will never be tolerated and that all perpetrators, no matter who they support, will be held accountable for their actions, and that the government has opened a Human Rights Council to investigate any issues, as "every victim deserves justice".<ref name= NYTmaduro/> In an interview with ''[[The Guardian]]'', President Maduro pointed to the United States' [[Covert United States foreign regime change actions|history of backing coups]], citing examples such as the [[1964 Brazilian coup d'état]], [[1973 Chilean coup d'état]], and [[2004 Haitian coup d'état]].<ref name=Milne/> President Maduro also highlighted whistleblower [[Edward Snowden]]'s revelations, U.S. state department documents, and 2006 [[
President Maduro also claimed that the government of [[Panama]] was interfering with the Venezuelan government.<ref>{{cite news | language = es| title = Venezuela acusa a Panamá de injerencia y llama a consultas a su embajadora | trans-title = Venezuela accuses Panama of interference and calls its ambassador for consultation | url = http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2014/02/20/maduro-llamo-a-consulta-a-embajadora-venezolana-en-panama/|access-date=20 February 2014|newspaper=La Patilla|date=20 February 2014}}</ref> At the same time the Venezuelan government supporters commemorated the first year since the death of President Chávez, the Venezuelan government severed diplomatic relations with Panama. Three days following, the government declared cessation of economic ties with Panama.
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During the last few weeks of March, the government began making more accusations and arresting opposition leaders. Opposition mayor [[Vicencio Scarano Spisso]] was tried and sentenced to ten and a half months of jail for failing to comply with a court order to take down barricades in his municipality which resulted in various deaths and injuries in the previous days.<ref name="uk.reuters.com">{{cite web|last=Wallis |first=Daniel |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-venezuela-protests-idUKBREA2J03O20140320 |title=Mayor sentenced to ten and a half months (Reuters) |publisher=Uk.reuters.com |date=20 March 2014}}</ref> [[Adán Chávez]], older brother of Hugo Chávez, joined the government's effort of criticizing opposition mayors who have supported the protest actions, stating that they "could end up like Scarano and Ceballos" by being charged for various cases.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite news|title=Presos políticos en Venezuela: el hermano de Chávez amenaza con arrestar a dos alcaldes opositores|url=http://www.infobae.com/2014/03/21/1551861-presos-politicos-venezuela-el-hermano-chavez-amenaza-arrestar-dos-alcaldes-opositores|access-date=21 March 2014|newspaper=Infobae|date=21 March 2014}}</ref> On 27 February, the government issued an arrest warrant for [[Carlos Vecchio]], a leader of [[Popular Will]] on various charges.<ref>{{cite news|title=Confirman orden de captura contra Carlos Vecchio | trans-title = Carlos Vecchio capture order confirmed | language = es| url= http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2014/02/27/confirman-orden-de-captura-contra-carlos-vecchio/ |access-date=28 February 2014|newspaper=La Patilla|date=27 February 2014}}</ref>
On 25 March, President Maduro announced that three [[Venezuelan Air Force]] generals were arrested for allegedly planning a "coup" against the government and in support for the protests and will be charged accordingly.<ref name="Rojas">{{cite news|last=Rojas|first=Eligio|title=Generales Machillanda, Hernández y Millán involucrados en supuesto golpe|url=http://www.elmundo.com.ve/noticias/actualidad/politica/generales-machillanda--hernandez-y-millan-involucr.aspx|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=El Mundo|date=25 March 2014}}</ref> On 29 April, Captain [[Juan
225 Venezuelan military officers rejected the allegations against the three air force generals stating that to bring them before a military court "would be violating their constitutional rights, as it is essential first to submit a preliminary hearing" and asked the National Guard "to be limited to fulfill its functions under articles 320, 328 and 329 of the Constitution and cease their illegal activities repression of public order".<ref name=FIMgenerals>{{cite news|title=Frente Institucional Militar rechaza detención de oficiales |url=http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Frente-Institucional-Militar-detencion-oficiales_0_380362049.html |access-date=27 March 2014 |newspaper=El Nacional |date=27 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140327204302/http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Frente-Institucional-Militar-detencion-oficiales_0_380362049.html |archive-date=27 March 2014 }}</ref> The allegations against the air force generals were also seen by former Venezuelan officials and commanders as a "media maneuver" to gain support from [[UNASUR]] since President Maduro timed it for the meeting and was not able to give details.<ref name=ENHgenerals>{{cite news|last=Maria Delgado|first=Antonio|title=Oficiales retirados cuestionan arrestos de generales venezolanos|url=http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2014/03/26/1710614/arresto-de-generales-venezolanos.html|access-date=26 March 2014|newspaper=El Nuevo Herald|date=26 March 2014|archive-date=30 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530022304/http://www.elnuevoherald.com/2014/03/26/1710614/arresto-de-generales-venezolanos.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
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====Resolution 8610====
{{main|Resolution 8610}}
On 27 January 2015, the Venezuelan Minister of Defense, [[Vladimir Padrino López]], signed [[Resolution 8610]] which stated that the "use of potentially lethal force, along with the firearm or another potentially lethal weapon" could be used as a last resort by the Venezuelan armed forces "to prevent disorders, support the legitimately constituted authority and reject any aggression, facing it immediately and the necessary means".<ref name=EN8610>{{cite news|last1=Lopez|first1=Edgar|title=Autorizan uso de armas mortales contra protestas|url=http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Autorizan-uso-armas-mortales-protestas_0_564543734.html|access-date=12 February 2015|agency=El Nacional|date=29 January 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216080935/http://www.el-nacional.com/politica/Autorizan-uso-armas-mortales-protestas_0_564543734.html|archive-date=16 February 2015|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The resolution conflicted with Article 68 of the Venezuelan Constitution that states, "the use of firearms and toxic substances to control peaceful demonstrations is prohibited. The law shall regulate the actions of the police and security in the control of public order".<ref name=EN8610/>
The resolution caused outrage among some Venezuelans which resulted in protests against Resolution 8610, especially after the death of 14-year-old [[Murder of Kluivert Roa|Kluiberth Roa Nunez]], which had protests days after his death numbering in the thousands.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Dreier|first1=Hannah|title=Venezuelan Protest Deadly Force Order After Young Boy Killed|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/venezuelan-students-protest-deadly-force-order-29273459|access-date=1 March 2015|agency=[[ABC News (United States)|ABC News]]|date=27 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Obregon|first1=Walter|title=Estudiantes de Barinas protestaron en contra del asesinato de liceísta|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/150225/estudiantes-de-barinas-protestaron-en-contra-del-asesinato-de-liceista|access-date=25 February 2015|agency=[[El Universal (Caracas)|El Universal]]|date=25 February 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Lares Martiz|first1=Valentina|title=Se eleva la tensión en Venezuela por asesinato de joven de 14 años|url=http://www.eltiempo.com/mundo/latinoamerica/crisis-en-venezuela-protestas-por-muerte-de-estudiante/15301644|access-date=14 March 2015|agency=[[El Tiempo (Anzoátegui)|El Tiempo]]|date=25 February 2015}}</ref> Students, academics and human rights groups condemned the resolution.<ref>{{cite news|title=Venezuelan Protest Deadly Force Order After Young Boy Killed|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/02/27/world/americas/ap-lt-venezuela-unrest-.html|access-date=14 March 2015|agency=[[The New York Times]]|date=27 February 2015}}</ref> International entities had expressed concern with Resolution 8610 as well, including the Government of [[Canada]] which stated that it was "concerned by the decision of the Government of Venezuela to authorize the use of deadly force against demonstrators" while the [[European Parliament]] demanded the repeal of the resolution entirely.<ref>{{cite news|title=Canadá está preocupada por resolución 8610 en Venezuela|url=http://globovision.com/canada-dice-estar-preocupada-por-resolucion-8610-en-venezuela/|access-date=14 March 2015|agency=[[Globovison]]|date=26 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150227025638/http://globovision.com/canada-dice-estar-preocupada-por-resolucion-8610-en-venezuela/|archive-date=27 February 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Merchán|first1=Johan|title=Parlamento Europeo pide liberación inmediata de López, Ledezma, Ceballos y manifestantes pacíficos detenidos por régimen de Maduro|url=http://www.enoriente.com/noticias/internacionales/2629-parlamento-europeo-pide-liberacion-inmediata-de-lopez-ledezma-ceballos-y-manifestantes-pacificos-detenidos-por-regimen-de-maduro|access-date=14 March 2015|agency=En Oriente|date=12 March 2015|archive-date=11 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160311233338/http://enoriente.com/noticias/internacionales/2629-parlamento-europeo-pide-liberacion-inmediata-de-lopez-ledezma-ceballos-y-manifestantes-pacificos-detenidos-por-regimen-de-maduro|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Days after the introduction of the resolution, Padrino López stated that critics "decontextualized" the decree calling it "the most beautiful document of profound respect for human rights to life and even the protesters".<ref>{{cite news|title=Padrino López dice que el texto de la Resolución 008610 es hermosísimo y respetuoso|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2015/01/31/padrino-lopez-dice-que-el-texto-de-la-resolucion-008610-es-hermosisimo-y-respetuoso/|access-date=14 March 2015|agency=[[La Patilla]]|date=31 January 2015}}</ref> On 7 March 2015, Padrino López later announced that the Venezuelan government was expanding on Resolution 8610 to give more detailed explanations and that the decree "should be regulated and reviewed".<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pomenta Llaña |first1=Sonia |title=Redactan manual para normar la resolución 8610 |url=http://www.unionradio.net/actualidadur/nota/visornota.aspx?id=195885&tpCont=1&idSec=3 |access-date=14 March 2015 |agency=Union Radio |date=7 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402123510/http://www.unionradio.net/actualidadur/nota/visornota.aspx?id=195885&tpCont=1&idSec=3 |archive-date=2 April 2015 }}</ref>
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The student leader at [[University of the Andes (Venezuela)|University of the Andes]] marched with protesters and delivered a document to the Cuban Embassy saying, "Let's go to the Cuban Embassy to ask them to stop Cuban interference in Venezuela. We know for a fact that Cubans are in the barracks' and [[Miraflores Palace|Miraflores]] giving instructions to suppress the people."<ref>{{cite news|title=Estudiantes llegaron a la embajada de Cuba|url=http://www.eluniversal.com/nacional-y-politica/protestas-en-venezuela/140225/estudiantes-llegaron-a-la-embajada-de-cuba|access-date=26 February 2014|newspaper=El Universal|date=25 February 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Estudiantes marcharon hasta la embajada de Cuba (Fotos y Video)|url=http://www.lapatilla.com/site/2014/02/25/estudiantes-seguiran-en-las-calles-2/|access-date=26 February 2014|newspaper=La Patilla|date=25 February 2014}}</ref>
[[File:Opposition medic 2014 Venezuelan protests..jpg|upright=1.1591|thumbnail|left|
[[File:Venezuelan protester wearing a Guy Fawkes Mask.jpg|thumbnail|right|A female protester wearing a [[Guy Fawkes mask]]]]
The opposition demonstrations that followed have been called by some as "Middle Class Protests".<ref>{{cite news|title=Venezuela: These Are Middle Class Protests, And The Poor Aren't Joining|url=http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/venezuela-these-are-middle-class-protests-and-the/vCRR73/|access-date=19 March 2014|newspaper=WFTV|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140320012331/http://www.wftv.com/videos/news/venezuela-these-are-middle-class-protests-and-the/vCRR73/|archive-date=20 March 2014|df=dmy-all}}</ref> However, some lower class Venezuelans told student protesters visiting them that they also want to protest against the "worsening food shortages, crippling inflation and unchecked violent crime" but are afraid to since pro-government groups known as "colectivos" had "violently suppressed" demonstrations and had
==Public opinion==
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The [[Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights]] also said that, "Documenting the protests has been a challenge for members of the media and [[NGO]]'s as the government has stifled the flow of information" and that "Journalists have been threatened and arrested, and had their equipment confiscated or had materials erased from their equipment."<ref name=RFKresponse>{{cite web|title=Ongoing Human Rights Violations Mark Protests in Venezuela |url=http://rfkcenter.org/ongoing-human-rights-violations-mark-protests-in-venezuela |work=Press Release |publisher=Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights |access-date=25 March 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140325050154/http://rfkcenter.org/ongoing-human-rights-violations-mark-protests-in-venezuela |archive-date=25 March 2014 }}</ref> Those reporting the protests feel threatened by President Maduro who has created "an increasingly asphyxiating climate" for them.<ref>{{cite news|last=Schipani|first=Andres|title=Fears grow of Venezuela media crackdown after protest killings|url= http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/9e231fcc-96bd-11e3-945d-00144feab7de.html|access-date=17 February 2014|newspaper=Financial Times|date=16 February 2014}}</ref> Television stations in Venezuela have hardly displayed live coverage of protests and had resulted in many opposition viewers moving to CNN in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|last=Wallis|first=Daniel|title=Maduro threatens to expel CNN for Venezuela coverage|url=http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSL2N0LP2QZ20140221?irpc=932|access-date=21 February 2014|newspaper=Reuters|date=20 February 2014}}</ref>
Years later on 14 February 2017, President Maduro ordered cable providers to take CNN en Español off the air, days after CNN aired an investigation into the alleged fraudulent issuing of Venezuelan passports and visas. The news story revealed a confidential intelligence document that links Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami to 173 Venezuelan passports and IDs issued to individuals from the Middle East, including people connected to the terrorist group Hezbollah.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/15/americas/cnn-en-espanol-venezuela-off-air/index.html|title=CNN en Español kicked off air in Venezuela|author=Steve Almasy|website=CNN|access-date=6 March 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Zamost |first=Scott |last2=Griffin |first2=Drew |last3=Guerrero |first3=Kay |last4=Romo |first4=Rafael |date=2017-02-14 |title=Whistleblower reveals passport fraud |url=http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/08/world/venezuela-passports-investigation/index.html
===Censorship===
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==International reactions==
{{further|Reactions to the
[[Image:Students stationed in UN headquarters,Venezuela demonstrating against the government of Maduro President.jpg|thumb|778px|center|{{center|Students gathered on hunger strike outside the UN headquarters in Caracas, waiting for a UN statement against the government of President Maduro}}]]
==See also==
{{portal|Venezuela}}
* [[2013 Venezuelan presidential election protests]]
* [[Protests against Daniel Ortega]]▼
* [[La Salida]]
* [[Spring (political terminology)]]
▲* [[Protests against Daniel Ortega]]
* [[States of emergency in Venezuela]]
* [[List of protests in the 21st century]]
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[[Category:Crisis in Venezuela]]
[[Category:2010s in Venezuela|Protests]]
[[Category:2020s in Venezuela|Protests]]
[[Category:2010s protests|Venezuelan]]
[[Category:2020s protests|Venezuelan]]
[[Category:Articles containing video clips]]
[[Category:21st century in Caracas]]
[[Category:Protests in Venezuela]]
[[Category:Political timelines
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