Demonstrators clash with riot police in Caracas

2014-02-16 200

Anti-government protesters are taking to the streets in Caracas in defiance of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's ban on unauthorized demonstrations.

And they're clashing with riot police...

Protesters said they were unarmed and hurled whatever they could when riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at them.

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Those takeing part in the anti-goverment protests blame the Maduro government for a wide variety of issues, ranging from an increasing cost of living, to a lack of basic household products. Venezuela also has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

It's been nearly a year since Maduro succeeded the late Hugo Chavez.

Critics say he is ruining the economy by sticking to Chavez-era policies, which include currency and price controls.

Meanwhile, supporters of Maduro say he is a victim of Western "imperial" propaganda.

Maduro accuses his rivals of trying to stage a coup.