Venezuela police, opposition supporters clash in capital

Anti-government protestors have clashed with security forces in Venezuela’s capital, hours after jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was formally charged with inciting violence in the country.

The clashes took place on Friday night in Caracas after Lopez was formally charged with inciting violence at an anti-government protest that has been followed by weeks of unrest across Venezuela.

Demonstrators gathered for a peaceful rally earlier in the day to show their support for Lopez.

“We are tired of an inefficient government, of completely incompetent and corrupt (officials) governing us, we are out in the streets and this is the voice of the people, a people who want change, an honest and sincere change,” said one protester, Fernando Valdes.

Demonstrations erupted on February 4 in the border city of San Cristobal and quickly spread to Caracas.

The unrest has caused at least 39 deaths.

Caracas says the protests are part of a US plot to topple the Venezuelan government.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused lopez of being part of a US-backed conspiracy to topple his administration. If found guilty, he could serve nearly 14 years in prison.