Supporters of Venezuela's left-wing government will mobilize Wednesday in defense of the Bolivarian Revolution, as opposition marchers also gather to call for the ouster of President Nicolas Maduro.
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"We are going to march tomorrow those who stand firm in the struggle for the sovereignty of the nation," said lawmaker for the governing United Socialist Party of Venezuela, or PSUV, Tania Diaz.
The mobilizations also fall on Venezuela's Independence Day commemorations, marking the start of the independence movements led by Simon Bolivar.
PSUV Vice President Diosdado Cabello said the presence of government supporters in the street would act to "dissuade the sort of violence that violent groups look to generate."
"With organization and conscience of the mobilized people, we must defend the homeland and the people of Bolivar and Chavez — that is what is at stake."
The demonstrations come after weeks of opposition-led anti-government demonstrations calling for the ouster of the country's Supreme Court judges as well as President Nicolas Maduro. According to reports, among those killed in the ensuing violence include a 13-year-old boy who was shot Wednesday when opposition protesters entered a social housing complex and an 83-year-old woman who was not able to receive medical attention due to opposition roadblocks.
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Opposition protesters have vandalized various areas in Caracas in recent days causing economic damage estimated at around 50 billion bolivars, President Maduro announced Sunday. A high school, a community health center, various subsidized food markets and several government ministries have also reportedly been severely affected.
The opposition MUD alliance has called for a "Mega March" protest in Caracas on Wednesday and estimate a large turnout with promotions flooding social media.
Officials fear that there could be violence should they attempt to redirect marches to areas where pro-government demonstrators will be gathered.