Venezuela marked the first anniversary of the death of President Hugo Chavez with a ceremony in Caracas on Wednesday. But opponents of the current administration also held protests.
The participants included the presidents of Bolivia and Nicaragua, who were close to Chavez.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro praised Chavez as a champion of politics for the poor and a symbol of South American unity. He stressed his determination to continue his predecessor’s anti-US, leftist policies.
However, many Venezuelans are protesting Maduro’s authoritarian rule and failed economic policies.
Demonstrators tooted horns and obstructed traffic in Caracas on Wednesday.
Local media reports say at least 19 people have died in the anti-government protests that have continued for more than three weeks.
Opposition forces are seeking intervention by an international body, but the Maduro administration is rejecting the demand.
Source: NHK
