Months of Deadly Anti-Government Protests in Venezuela

Beginning on April 1, anti-government demonstrators have staged daily protests across Venezuela, leaving thousands arrested, hundreds injured, and 66 dead.

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In Focus

Alan Taylor Alan Taylor is a senior editor at The Atlantic, where he oversees the Photo section.

June 12th, 2017 June 12th, 2017

Beginning on April 1, anti-government demonstrators have staged daily protests across Venezuela that continue to devolve into violent clashes with riot police, leaving thousands arrested, hundreds injured, and 66 dead. Opposition activists are protesting against the government of President Nicolas Maduro, blaming him for a crippling economic crisis that has caused widespread food shortages for years. The head of the Venezuelan military has warned troops not to commit "atrocities" against protesters, while Maduro’s government continues to work toward rewriting the constitution, defying those accusing him of clinging to power.

Months of Deadly Anti-Government Protests in Venezuela

Beginning on April 1, anti-government demonstrators have staged daily protests across Venezuela, leaving thousands arrested, hundreds injured, and 66 dead.

1. An opposition demonstrator wears a gas mask in a clash with police during the "Towards Victory" protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on June 10, 2017.

2. Riot police officers confront opposition activists during a demonstration against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, on May 26, 2017.

3. A man aims his weapon at demonstrators as they attack the administration headquarters of the Supreme Justice Court during riots following a protest in Caracas on June 7, 2017.

4. Employees of the administration headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice try to put out the fire of a burning vehicle during a demo in Caracas on June 7, 2017.

5. Deputy of the opposition Carlos Paparoni is hit by jets of water during riots at a march to the state Ombudsman's office in Caracas on May 29, 2017.

6. Opposition activists march during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on May 31, 2017.

7. Venezuelan opposition activists launch a firework with a tube during clashes with riot police in Caracas on May 31, 2017.

8. An opposition activist clashes with the riot police as they block the Francisco Fajardo highway in Caracas on May 29, 2017.

9. Policemen clash with opposition demonstrators in Caracas, on May 24, 2017.

10. A demonstrator throws a Molotov cocktail during a rally against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on May 27, 2017.

11. Demonstrators run during clashes with riot security forces in Caracas on May 30, 2017.

12. A riot policeman confronts opposition activists during a demonstration in Caracas on May 26, 2017.

13. A demonstrator shows an injury caused by a rubber bullet while rallying against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on June 10, 2017.

14. Demonstrators look on as motorcycles belonging to riot security forces are set on fire during a rally against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on May 31, 2017.

15. An oposition supporter wearing a dog mask rallies against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on May 31, 2017.

16. Demonstrators are sprayed by a riot police water cannon in Caracas on May 31, 2017.

17. A woman holds a flaming torch next to a stencil of the face of young activist Neomar Lander, who died during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on June 8, 2017.

18. People gather in honor of 17-year-old protester Neomar Lander, the latest fatality from the anti-government unrest and who died during clashes with security forces on Wednesday, in Caracas on June 8, 2017.

19. A woman kneels at the place where 17-year-old demonstrator Neomar Lander died during riots at a rally in Caracas on June 8, 2017. The sign reads: "No more blood."

20. A demonstrator jumps away from a jet of water released from a riot security forces vehicle in Caracas on May 26, 2017.

21. Riot security forces catch fire during riots at a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas on June 7, 2017.

22. Opposition supporters use a giant slingshot during clashes with security forces at a rally in Caracas on May 20, 2017.

23. A demonstrator looks on as trucks used as barricades are set on fire during a rally in Caracas on May 27, 2017.

24. Volunteer members of a primary care response team help an injured demonstrator during the 'march of the empty pots' against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in Caracas on June 3, 2017.

25. A demonstrator stands in the rain during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in San Cristobal, Tachira State, Venezuela, on May 20, 2017.

26. A Venezuelan National Guard soldier fires his shotgun at opposition demonstrators from inside their riot control vehicle, in Caracas, on May 31, 2017.

27. A woman shouts slogans at the place where 17-year-old demonstrator Neomar Lander died during riots at a rally against Maduro's government in Caracas on June 8, 2017.

28. Riot security forces clash with demonstrators as a motorcycle is set on fire in San Cristobal, Venezuela, on May 29, 2017.

29. Venezuelan opposition activists clash with the riot police during a rally in Caracas on May 18, 2017.

30. An injured demonstrator is carried away by a fellow activist during clashes with riot police, in Caracas, on May 31, 2017.