A protester throws back a tear gas canister as Venezuelan opposition supporters protest following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre MeneghiniSource: REUTERS
Protests are rife in Venezuela following the country’s elections on July 28.
Demonstrators object to controversial results and the declaration of President Nicolas Maduro as the winner of the elections.
Exit polls placed Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia in the lead as the winner of the elections but Maduro was announced the winner by the country’s National Electoral Council (CNE) with over 50% votes against his contender’s over 40% votes.
Thousands of angry protesters have taken over the streets of the capital Caracas with chants of freedom as they set fire to tyres and clash with police.
Protests began on Monday amidst allegations that the elections were rigged in favour of the incumbent president.
Demonstrators hurled Molotov cocktails and rocks at police as they retaliated with tear gas and rubber bullets fired at the crowd.
Posters of Maduro were also ripped off and burnt by the crowd.
At least two statues of Maduro’s predecessor Hugo Chavez have been knocked down amidst the protests.
Rights group Foro Penal indicates that at least one person is dead and 46 arrested, Daily Mail reports.
Here are some photos from the protests
A demonstrator reacts when Molotov cocktails hit the ground in front of security forces during protests against election results after Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his opposition rival Edmundo Gonzalez claimed victory in Sunday's presidential election, in Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Samir AponteSource: REUTERSA protester throws back a tear gas canister as Venezuelan opposition supporters protest following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre MeneghiniSource: REUTERSMembers of the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela use their shields to clean an avenue after a protest from supporters of Venezuelan opposition following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre MeneghiniSource: REUTERSProtesters run to take cover from tear gas as Venezuelan opposition supporters protest following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre MeneghiniSource: REUTERSA protester runs with a Molotov cocktail as Venezuelan opposition supporters protest following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre MeneghiniSource: REUTERSMembers of the Bolivarian National Guard of Venezuela stand in line after a protest from supporters of Venezuelan opposition following the announcement by the National Electoral Council that Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro won the presidential election, in Caracas, Venezuela July 29, 2024. REUTERS/Alexandre MeneghiniSource: REUTERS
