Venezuela: Anti-government protest in Caracas September 25

Event

On Monday, September 25, anti-government protestors in the Chacao area of Caracas temporarily blocked access to the Chacao metro station, as well as the Francisco de Miranda and Elice streets. According to local sources, youths erected roadblocks and burned trashcans in protest against shortages of basic necessities. Although no injuries were reported, security forces dispersed the protest and arrested an unspecified number of protestors.

Context

Venezuela was shaken by months of violent anti-government protests in 2017, coinciding with ongoing political, economic, social, and health crises. While the rate and intensity of protests has fallen in recent months, the potential for further large-scale protests and associated violence cannot be understated. Over 120 people have been killed amid protests and associated violence since April, the majority killed by security forces who have repeatedly been accused of excessive use of force.

Advice

Individuals in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities are advised to closely monitor the situation and to strictly avoid all protests due to the likelihood of violence.