Caracas Archbishop Denounces Armed Attacks on Protesters
The archbishop of Caracas on Thursday called on the government of Nicolas Maduro to rein in armed groups who he said have attacked peaceful demonstrations with impunity.
Cardinal Jorge Urosa Savino spoke out in an interview with Globovision television after a violent night in which police and national guard troops dispersed protesters with tear gas and buckshot.
In addition, video images on social networks have shown waves of motorcycle riding men in plainclothes descending on protesters.
"There are many armed groups that appear not to belong to the state security forces," Urosa said.
"I don't understand why those armed groups are acting freely, with impunity, when control over arms is with the government," he said. "The government has to rein in these groups."
At least four people have been shot to death since the start of two weeks of student-led protests.
The latest was a 21-year-old beauty queen who was shot in the head Tuesday at a protest rally in the northern city of Valencia.
"How is it possible that there could be eight or nine wounded in Valencia and a girl dead in the vilest manner simply because an armed group attacked a peaceful protest," Urosa said.
"It is necessary that this be investigated and those people who acted with violence, with firearms be arrested," he said.
The protests, which began in the western state of Tachira on February 4, have spread to Caracas and other cities.
Student leaders have demanded the release of jailed protesters, but also have protested rampant crime and worsening economic conditions in the oil-rich OPEC member.
Source: Agence France Presse
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