Venezuelans launch people power to denounce ‘coup’ by President Nicolas Maduro

Tens of thousands of demonstrators heeded opposition calls to take to the streets of Venezuela’s capital on Thursday, blocking the city’s main artery to protest what they say was an attempted coup by the government of Nicolas Maduro.

Some people carried signs that read “No to Dictatorship” as they crowded Caracas’ principal highway cutting from the city’s wealthy eastern section to the downtown as far as the eye could see. Early on, it was a peaceful atmosphere with people saying they were prepared to stay all day and even come back Friday if necessary.

Dubbed a “traffic jam against the coup,” Thursday’s demonstration was comprised largely of a slightly older crop of protesters, many of whom carried umbrellas to protect themselves from the unrelenting tropical sun.

The highway and surrounding streets were so packed with people that a lot were opting to stay home from work. Bodyguards escorted opposition leaders through the crowds.

Asusena Aquilera, a 57-year-old retired finance worker, said she was protesting because her family was having a hard time finding food for her grandchildren to eat.

“When I left this morning, my grandkids said: ‘Grandma, aren’t you scared?’ And I told them you cannot let yourself be scared ... you have to get rid of this government.’”