In fighting against the student protesters, the police resulted to firing tear gas grenades at them. Students have protested the changes to the constitution. The plans for the changes will allow current President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez to run for re-election indefinitely. That plan to be made to the constitution has angered the thousands of students that are protesting through the streets of Caracas.
The changes to the constitution would allow for Hugo Chavez to bypass the legal controls on the executive branch in case of a state of emergency. The changes are being debated by Venezuela’s parliament. However, the parliament is composed of those who are allied with Hugo Chavez, himself.
As they attempted to march towards the parliament, the students changed “Reform, no – democracy.” The fighting began when they tried to push through the police lines. According to the Associated Press, Stalin Gonzalez the leader of the student demonstrators had suffered minor injuries.
Their aim is to show the government that a part of Venezuela rejects the reforms as Gonzalez told a local TV station. The protesters have complained about the police stopping their march and keeping them from reaching the National Assembly. At the same time, they have complained about how Chavez supporters are allowed to demonstrate on the streets without restrictions.
Stalin Gonzalez calls this political demonstration. The students are concerned and fearful that the authorities could detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency. So far, Chavez has dismissed all criticisms.
Hugo Chavez says that the changes to the constitution are necessary if Venezuela’s transition to socialism is to be accelerated.
Perhaps Hugo Chavez will draw criticism from the international community for the changes.
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