A response had been given by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Saturday to ongoing opposition protests with a counter-demonstration by thousands of his supporters.
President Maduro used the pro-government rally in Caracas to denounce opposition leader Leopoldo López.
Meanwhile an arrest warrant has been issued by police for López for organizing anti-government protests Wednesday that turned violent. Three people were killed, including two opposition protesters.
President had called López a “fascist” and a “coward” Saturday and urged him to turn himself in.
The arrest warrant for Lopez has a chilling effect on the rights of Venezuelan citizens to peacefully express their grievances, said U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.
He said in a statement that the Venezuelan government is obliged to protect the fundamental freedoms and safety of its citizens.
Protesters were angry at Maduro for soaring inflation, shortages in supermarkets and rampant crime and Venezuelan forces used tear gas and water cannons against hundreds of student protesters Friday. Police had arrested 100 people in the past week of protests.
Bureau Report
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