<p>Demonstrators in Caracas, Venezuela, were forced to cross over the Guaire river by wading and climbing along a utility bridge as riot police blocked the streets and fired tear gas on April 19, according to David Smolansky, Mayor of El Hatillo.</p><p>Large-scale demonstrations were planned in Caracas and across Venezuela on Wednesday to protest against President Nicholas Maduro and his administration, who opposition leaders say are engaging in a coup and evading new elections. Opposition leaders and activists said that the police and national guard have been engaging in violent and repressive protest-suppression tactics, leading to the deaths of several people</a>.</p><p>Maduro</a> has maintained a hard line against the opposition, saying that they are “assailants” and calling for his supporters to take to the streets</a> in counter-protest.</p><br />
