Hugo Chávez Supporters Clash With Protesters In Venezuela

Many of the attackers wore T-shirts bearing the image of the late president and were chanting pro-Chávez slogans, Associated Press reports.

By
Michael Rusch
by Michael Rusch

BuzzFeed News Reporter

Fernando Llano / AP

A supporter of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez argues with an anti-riot police officer who tries to block him from a group of opposition students protesting a few blocks from the electoral council in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, March 21, 2013.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- Supporters of the late President Hugo Chavez hurled rocks and bottles Thursday in an attack on student protesters who were marching against perceived bias by Venezuela's electoral council.

Seven students were reported injured in the violence that raised tensions in a country already sharply divided ahead of next month's presidential election.

Hundreds of students had gathered at a central plaza in the morning and were making their way to the electoral council headquarters in downtown Caracas when they came upon a police barricade.

Ariana Cubillos / AP

Venezuela's Bolivarian Police officers stand between a group of opposition student protesters, left, and supporters of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez.

Fernando LLano / AP

Opposition students shouts slogans against supporters of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez during a protest a few blocks from the electoral commission in Venezuela.

Fernando Llano / AP

Anti-riot police lineup to separate a group of opposition students from supporters of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez during an opposition protest.

Ariana Cubillos / AP

Supporters of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez hold up a poster of him after they burned a banner that was grabbed from opposition student protesters.

Fernando Llano / AP

Supporters of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez shout slogans against opposition student protesters.

Ariana Cubillos / AP

Supporters of Venezuela's late President Hugo Chavez burn a sign taken from opposition student protesters.

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