Meridith Kohut
The Battle for Venezuela, Through a Lens, Helmet and Gas Mask
The Battle for Venezuela, Through a Lens, Helmet and Gas Mask. July 2017. Anti-government protesters celebrate after taking back control of the main highway that runs through Caracas from government security forces. The streets of Caracas and other cities across Venezuela have been filled with tens of thousands of demonstrators for over 100 days of massive protests, held since April 1st. Protesters are enraged at the government for becoming an increasingly repressive, authoritarian regime that has delayed elections, used armed government loyalist to threaten dissidents, called for the Constitution to be re-written to favor them, jailed and tortured protesters and members of the political opposition, and whose corruption and failed economic policy has caused the current economic crisis that has led to widespread food and medicine shortages across the country. Independent local media report over 150 people have been killed during protests and protest-related riots and looting. Thousands of people have been injured, and over 3,000 protesters have been detained by authorities, with over 200 reporting being tortured while detained.
The New York Times
