Crowds swelled and included a counter-demonstration by President Nicolas Maduro’s supporters, leading to angry clashes in many parts of the country.

On April 19, 2017, thousands of protesters marched along the highway in Caracas, Venezuela, to protest against leftist President Nicolas Maduro’s policies. Mr. Maduro’s opponents called on the people to take to the streets in the ‘mother of all marches.’ Crowds swelled and included a counter-demonstration by Mr. Maduro’s supporters, leading to angry clashes in many parts of the country. While the Opposition claims that Mr. Maduro has morphed into a dictator — protesters carried banners saying ‘No more dictatorship’ — and plunged the once oil-rich country into chaos after oil prices collapsed, Mr. Maduro says the protests are a facade to foment a coup to end socialism in Venezuela.

In this April 19, 2017 photo, anti-government protesters march along a highway in Caracas, Venezuela. Opponents of President Nicolas Maduro called on Venezuelans to take to the streets to march against the embattled leader. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) | Photo Credit: AP

More marches have been called by Opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who was earlier this month disqualified by the national comptroller’s office from holding office for 15 years. “We have to protest because this country is dying of hunger,” one protester said. Food riots are common as Venezuela stares at a grave humanitarian crisis.