Venezuela has banned protests the could “disturb or affect” Sunday’s controversial election for a new constituent assembly, a move that thousands of opposition supporters have evidently ignored.<br /><br />Demonstrations continued with vigor in Caracas, as protestors risked jail terms and their lives to express their discontent with President Nicolas Maduro’s government.<br /><br />Five people have already been killed in clashes with security forces.<br /><br />A demonstrator is detained in Caracas during a strike to protest Maduro. Photo by carlosrawlins. More here: https://t.co/8henY0fjiD pic.twitter.com/REei2mbxJa— Alexandra Ulmer (AlexandraUlmer) July 26, 2017<br /><br /><br />Opposition lawmaker Freddy Guevara said: “We represent the majority, we have the support of the international community and we won’t surrender. <br /><br />“We don’t want to conquer just Caracas, but the whole country. That’s why everybody should go to the streets. We won’t get into our knees. We will continue our fight.”<br /><br />BREAKING: Violinist wuillyarteaga just arrested near center of Caracas on Libertador Avenue. Still healing from being shot in face Sat. pic.twitter.com/iNc15K63KN— Marion Smith (smithmarion) July 27, 2017<br /><br /><br />A 48-hour general strike is now in its second day, and Maduro, whom protesters accuse of serious mismanagement of the country’s floundering economy, is hoping that a victory on Sunday will help to quell the unrest.<br /><br />The new constituent assembly will rival the National Assembly, currently controlled by the opposition, and will have the power to rewrite the constitution.<br />
