Violent protests sweep Caracas, opposition leader surrenders
- 10 years ago
Tens of thousands of protesters flood the streets of Caracas.
The violence is escalating with rival demonstrations. Another student protester died in eastern Venezuela after being hit by a vehicle - the forth fatality in a week.
Student-led protests have increased this month, demanding President Nicolas Maduro's resignation.
Now, demonstrators are up in arms with the arrest of Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER, LEOPOLDO LOPEZ, SAYING:
"I swear to you we will overcome and very soon we will have a free and democratic Venezuela."
That's the speech Lopez gave before turning himself in to security forces.
He's being held on charges of inciting unrest against the government.
Angry crowds stood in the way of the vehicle carrying him away.
Speaking through a megaphone, he said he's complying with procedure and asked demonstrators to clear the way.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER FERNA
The violence is escalating with rival demonstrations. Another student protester died in eastern Venezuela after being hit by a vehicle - the forth fatality in a week.
Student-led protests have increased this month, demanding President Nicolas Maduro's resignation.
Now, demonstrators are up in arms with the arrest of Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION LEADER, LEOPOLDO LOPEZ, SAYING:
"I swear to you we will overcome and very soon we will have a free and democratic Venezuela."
That's the speech Lopez gave before turning himself in to security forces.
He's being held on charges of inciting unrest against the government.
Angry crowds stood in the way of the vehicle carrying him away.
Speaking through a megaphone, he said he's complying with procedure and asked demonstrators to clear the way.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER FERNA