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A masked demonstrator throws a Molotov cocktail during a protest organized by opponents of the Venezuelan government in Caracas, Venezuela, May 1, 2017. EPA/MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
A masked demonstrator throws a Molotov cocktail during a protest organized by opponents of the Venezuelan government in Caracas, Venezuela, May 1, 2017. EPA/MIGUEL GUTIERREZ

Chavistas, opposition protest again in the streets of Caracas

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COMPARTA ESTE CONTENIDO:

Thousands of Chavistas and opponents again divided Venezuela's capital into two with demonstrations on Monday showing who supports Nicolas Maduro's government and others, who demand another election, the two visions of people in an increasingly polarized country.

On Monday, the country completes exactly one month of the heightened political tension triggered by the Supreme Court's ruling that left the Venezuelan Parliament, the only state authority in the hands of the opposition, without power.

The demonstrators, protesting against the Supreme Court's decision on Parliament and demanding impartial performance in future elections, were dispersed by the security forces when they tried to reach the headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice and the National Electoral Council.

While the crowds were being dispersed, a Chavista demonstration passed through the center of Caracas to reach Bolivar Avenue in support of Maduro's government which touts the so-called "Bolivarian revolution," symbol of the continuing legacy of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

The government supporters gathered at various points in Caracas, guarded by officials of the Bolivarian National Police (military police) despite forecasts calling for rain.

One of the Chavista leaders and ex-parliamentarian, Freddy Bernal urged the demonstrators to show conviction and the same loyalty to Chavez and president Maduro.

Similarly, a worker from the state-owned company - Petróleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) - told EFE she was celebrating the date as "a day of honor and dignity" of the Venezuelans who, according to her, were made visible, thanks to Chavez.

The pro-government groups also responded to the Venezuelan government's call for demonstrations for peace, denying the violence aggravated by the opposition.

Maduro announced a formula to form a National Constituent Assembly, as the only alternative, so he said, of achieving peace in the country and to overcome the alleged coup d'état against him.

The Constituent Assembly requires the election of citizens' representatives to reformulate the State with the modification of the Constitution in force since 2000.

Maduro's announcement immediately led to the rejection of the opposition gathered in the Democratic Unity Roundtable, which called on the people to reject the fraudulent call of the president to modify the Constitution considering it as another coup.

Opponents have responded to Maduro's decision with street protests again.

The protests and demonstrations in the country during the last month, in favor and against the government, have left 29 dead, as well as hundreds wounded and detained.