Several Venezuelan politicians have been badly hurt after pro-government supporters weilding sticks and metal bars stormed the national assembly. <br /><br />The melee came during a special session to mark the South American country’s independence day. <br /><br />More than 350, politicians, journalists and guest were trapped for several hours inside the legislature following the unrest.<br /><br />Laying blame squarely on the government, the president of the opposition controlled congress Julio Borges said, “The<br />violence in Venezuela has a name and surname: Nicolas Maduro.”<br /><br />Borges added, “Whoever sees these images from today in the National Assembly, it’s possible that they get confused and think we’re facing a strong government. They’re wrong. A government that does what they did today with their parliament is a weak government, is a fallen government, is a cowardly government. “ <br /><br />The bloody attack, the latest in a worsening cycle of violence in Venezuela, is said to have taken place in plain view of guards tasked with protecting the legislature. <br /><br />Rowdy pro Government groups burst inside #Venezuela Congress on its Independence Day. Several lawmakers hurt #5Jul. Video: CaraotaDigital pic.twitter.com/fdixVvln8P— Mariana_Atencio (marianaatencio) July 5, 2017<br /><br />President Maduro condemned the unrest. Describing it as “strange”, he vowed to investigate.<br />
