Thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Venezuela for the last few weeks demanding a return to democracy through general elections. For over a year, the country has been going through widespread food shortages, growing insecurity and rampant inflation, leading to the current political unrest.
Christian Veron / Reuters
On Thursday, one of the protesters stripped and walked in the direction of tear gas where Venezuelan soldiers and riot police were standing.
Carlos Garcia Rawlins / Reuters
The cameras captured the young man in his socks and shoes and holding a Bible in his hand, while he approached the authorities.
Juan Barreto / AFP / Getty Images
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He tried to talk to them...
Juan Barreto / AFP / Getty Images
Then he climbed a security vehicle while an officer yelled at him.
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"No more," he screamed, while police fired rubber pellets and teargas at him.
Later that day, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro mocked the protester on a televised appearance. "Thank god he didn't drop a soap because that would've been an abominable photo, horrendous," he said.
"Nicolas Maduro on the naked man that climbed the GN tank: 'They have no limit for ridiculousness, there's nothing else for us to do but to laugh.'"
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Online, many Venezuelans criticized the reaction of the armed forces.
"Barbary and savages dressed in olive green. They shot a naked man that had a bible as his only defense!"
Others showed their admiration for the man.
"I really think it's one of the biggest acts of courage to stand totally naked in front of a tank. My admiration and respect."
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Juan Barreto / AFP / Getty Images
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This post was translated from Spanish.
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