Kerry urges mediation in Venezuela

2014-03-01 206

Gunshots resonate across Caracas.

Anti-government protesters wielding stones and petrol bombs clash with police, who retaliate with water cannon.

A body is covered in sheeting. A bullet lies nearby. The government says the person was killed by protesters after stealing from them.

But this demonstrator denies the allegations.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) PROTESTER, KEVIN OROZCO, SAYING:

"There is no food here, there are shortages here. Here no one can have their own home when they (authorities) pass by killing people left and right. They put a bullet in someone and they don't investigate anything because we have to shut up. We can't. We have to keep on fighting for freedom and Venezuela is our country. Don't screw it up."

At least 17 people have been killed and more than 250 hurt in the unrest.

They're demanding that protesters detained during the anti-government demonstrations be freed and that President Nicolas Maduro resigns.

Both the governm