Rival rallies held in Venezuela

Thousands of supporters and opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro have taken to the streets of the capital Caracas in another day of rival rallies.

On Sunday, anti-government protesters marched in front of the Cuban embassy to show their anger at Cuba’s alleged interference in the armed forces.

The protesters wanted to reach a military airbase, but police stopped them by using tear gas. Protesters in turn pelted them with stones.

Supporters of President Maduro also demonstrated in Caracas. Wearing the red colors of Maduro’s ruling party, they highlighted the government’s food programs.

Maduro has ordered government-run markets to sell subsidized food.

Venezuela has been the scene of violent pro- and anti-government demonstrations since early February. At least 28 people have been killed and hundreds injured in the violence since then.

The opposition criticizes the government for the high crime rate and economic hardships in the country, claiming that the policies of the administration of President Maduro have led to a shortage of essential goods and a high inflation rate.

Maduro, however, says the Venezuelan opposition seeks to launch a coup d’état in the country with the support of the United States.

The Venezuelan leader ordered the expulsion of three US consular officials last month, accusing them of meeting with student protest leaders under the guise of offering them visas to destabilize the country.

In response, Washington declared three Venezuelan consular officials personae non gratae and asked them to leave the US.