CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Venezuelan police in riot gear clashed on Wednesday with thousands of protesters trying to reach the headquarters of the country’s electoral body to demand a referendum to recall unpopular President Nicolas Maduro.
The anti-government protest was the third in a week, and came days after the socialist president declared a state of emergency in the economically struggling country. He gave himself decree powers for 60 days.
Thousands of people turned out for the march in downtown Caracas on Wednesday, but police blocked the route. A small group tried to break through and was turned back by tear gas.
On Tuesday, opposition leader Henrique Capriles called on the country to reject the extra powers granted Maduro.
“If Maduro wants to apply this decree, he needs to start preparing tanks and war planes, because he’ll have to apply it by force,” Capriles said.