Venezuelan opposition holds demonstrations

Caracas July 14 (IANS) The Venezuelan opposition held demonstrations here opposing President Nicolas Maduro s government.

Convened by the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD) dozens of demonstrators on Thursday marched across at least six locations in the municipalities of Chacao and Barutam reports Efe news.

At the start of the march fugitive police officer Oscar Perez who stole a helicopter and fired on government buildings on June 28 made his first public appearance since the incident.

The government has accused him of terrorism.

Protests against Maduro began on April 1 when the Supreme Court accused of favouring the government ruled that the functions of the opposition-led parliament would be transferred to the judiciary as lawmakers remained in contempt of its past rulings.

This decision stripped MPs of immunity as judges claimed parliament was not carrying out its duties although this ruling was revoked shortly afterwards following widespread criticism.

Since the protests began a total of 94 people have died and thousands others injured.

--IANS
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