There have been more scenes of urban conflict in Caracas as Venezuela’s worst unrest in a decade continues to pit anti-government protesters against police.<br /><br />In the latest violence, security forces fired tear gas as student demonstrators tried to set up barricades in the streets.<br /><br />“People here are fighting for a better future because in Venezuela there is no future and we need real change,” said one unidentified, young protester, his mouth covered by a mask. “Unfortunately this is the only way we Venezuelans can show that we have some dignity.”<br /><br />At least 20 people have died in nearly a month of protests demanding the resignation of President Nicolas Maduro. He says it is a Washington-backed plot to overthrow his government.<br /><br />“They are not protests, this is not a struggle. It is destruction, pure vandalism carried out by mercenaries,” he told supporters.<br /><br />Riot police were out in force to prevent peaceful protesters taking their grievances to the Food Ministry. Shortages of basic products like bread and milk are among demonstrators’ chief complaints. <br /><br />Thousands banged pots and pans and blew whistles and horns in the capital. Similar rallies were held in several other Venezuelan cities.
