Anti-government protesters are taking to the streets in Caracas in defiance of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's ban on unauthorized demonstrations.<br/> <br />And they're clashing with riot police...<br/> <br />Protesters said they were unarmed and hurled whatever they could when riot police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at them.<br/> <br />g<br/> <br />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.<br/> <br />It's been nearly a year since Maduro succeeded the late Hugo Chavez.<br/> <br />Critics say he is ruining the economy by sticking to Chavez-era policies, which include currency and price controls.<br/> <br />Meanwhile, supporters of Maduro say he is a victim of Western "imperial" propaganda.<br/> <br />Maduro accuses his rivals of trying to stage a coup.
