Rival mass protests in Venezuela stoke political tensions after failed mutiny

Opposition called for demonstrations after President Maduro was sworn in for a second term despite objections domestically and from the international community

These will be the first mass street rallies since 125 people died during protests between April and July, 2017

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Riot policemen on a motorcycle during clashes with anti-government demonstrators in Caracas, on January 21, when a group of soldiers rose up against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:23pm, 23 Jan 2019Updated: 2:23pm, 23 Jan 2019

Opposition supporters and regime loyalists in Venezuela are set to hold competing mass street rallies on Wednesday, two days after a failed mutiny by soldiers hoping to spark a movement that would overthrow President Nicolas Maduro.

“We have a historic appointment with our country, with the future of our children,” said National Assembly President Juan Guaido, the driving force behind the opposition protest.

“Venezuelan military, tomorrow we have a historic appointment with the people,” he said on Tuesday during a session of the legislature, which the regime has stripped of power.

Guaido, 35, called for the demonstration earlier this month after Maduro was sworn in for a second term of office over objections from both the opposition and large sections of the international community.

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, attend a meeting with supporters in Caracas on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Maduro earned his second term by winning snap elections in May that were boycotted by the opposition and dismissed as a fraud by the European Union, the United States and many Latin American countries.

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