Story highlights In Ukraine, demonstrators demand closer ties with Europe, want President's ouster

In Venezuela, protesters blame the government for shortages, security problems

In Thailand, protesters call for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra

Demonstrators pack public squares. Flames shoot into the air. Tear gas sends crowds scrambling. Bodies are carried from the streets.

Dramatic scenes are unfolding during anti-government protests in three disparate countries this week, on three different continents.

The images are striking, and things are heating up quickly. What's happening on the ground?

Here's a cheat-sheet guide to the protests in Ukraine, Venezuela and Thailand:

UKRAINE

JUST WATCHED Clashes in Kiev, Bangkok and Caracas Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Clashes in Kiev, Bangkok and Caracas 02:53

Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters in Kiev, Ukraine, clash with police in Independence Square on Wednesday, February 19. Thousands of anti-government demonstrators have packed the square since November, when President Viktor Yanukovych reversed a decision on a trade deal with the European Union and instead turned toward Russia. Hide Caption 1 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters clash with police in Kiev on February 19. The unrest in Ukraine intensified after an anti-protest law went into effect in January. Demonstrators took to the streets to protest the law, which was later repealed. Hide Caption 2 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters prepare a barricade in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 3 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Police form a line as the Trade Unions Building burns in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 4 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Police form a barrier in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 5 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters in Kiev throw rocks at riot police in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 6 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Independence Square smolders during protests on February 19. Hide Caption 7 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters walk in the rubble of Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 8 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters gather in Kiev on February 19. Hide Caption 9 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester throws a cobblestone at riot police during clashes in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 10 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police officers rest against a column in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 11 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters stand in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 12 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – An injured protester is moved out during clashes with riot police in Kiev on February 19. Hide Caption 13 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester uses a slingshot to throw a rock at riot police February 19 in Kiev. Hide Caption 14 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police line up in Kiev on February 19. Hide Caption 15 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters put on gas masks near the perimeter of Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 16 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters brace themselves for more violence in Kiev on February 19. Hide Caption 17 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester throws a stone in Kiev on February 19. Hide Caption 18 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters protect themselves with shields as they clash with police in Kiev on February 19. Hide Caption 19 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – An injured protester waits to be treated in a Kiev monastery, converted into a makeshift hospital, on February 19. Hide Caption 20 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters sleep on the floor inside a Kiev monastery on February 19. Hide Caption 21 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters clash with police in Independence Square on February 19. Hide Caption 22 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester rushes through a broken door in the regional prosecutor's office in Lviv, Ukraine, on February 19. Police said the unrest has spread to western Ukraine, with protesters attacking police and local government offices in a number of regions. Hide Caption 23 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters in Lviv burn papers from a government building on February 19. Hide Caption 24 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester aims a weapon in Kiev on Tuesday, February 18. Hide Caption 25 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police storm Independence Square on February 18. Hide Caption 26 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester runs during clashes with police in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 27 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters clash with police in Independence Square on February 18. Hide Caption 28 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters watch clashes in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 29 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Violence between police and protesters escalates February 18 in Kiev. Hide Caption 30 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police stand firm in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 31 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters burn a car in central Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 32 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester stands atop a barricade in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 33 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters clash with riot police outside Ukraine's parliament in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 34 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A rainbow forms over a protester ducking for cover in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 35 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police protect themselves during clashes in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 36 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Hide Caption 37 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester is engulfed in flames while running from the clashes in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 38 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police detain a protester in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 39 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters invade the main office of the ruling Party of Regions in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 40 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police shield themselves during clashes with protesters on February 18. Hide Caption 41 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters throw stones toward riot police in Kiev on February 18. Hide Caption 42 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester holds a Ukrainian flag in Independence Square on Tuesday, February 4. Hide Caption 43 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester smokes a cigarette while standing guard in Kiev on February 4. Hide Caption 44 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters keep an eye on police February 4 as they man a barricade in Kiev. Hide Caption 45 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester is reflected in a broken mirror during protests in Kiev on Monday, February 3. Hide Caption 46 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Opposition supporters warm themselves in Kiev on Saturday, February 1. Hide Caption 47 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester stands on top of barricades in Kiev on Tuesday, January 28. Hide Caption 48 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters sit behind a barricade in Kiev on January 28. Hide Caption 49 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters march in Kiev on Monday, January 27. Activists say they want wide-ranging constitutional reform and a shake-up of the Ukrainian political system. Hide Caption 50 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Police block a street in Kiev on January 27. Hide Caption 51 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A couple try to keep warm near a fire at a barricade in Kiev on January 27. Hide Caption 52 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police block a Kiev street from protesters on January 27. Hide Caption 53 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters stand guard inside the Ukraine Justice Ministry in Kiev on January 27. Demonstrators later left the building because they didn't want to create any difficulties in negotiations between the government and opposition, a protest leader said. Protesters repositioned themselves outside and blocked access to the building, the leader said. Hide Caption 54 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Orthodox priests lead the funeral service for slain protester Mikhail Zhiznevsky in Kiev on Sunday, January 26. Hide Caption 55 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police officers stand in line during anti-government protests in Kiev on Saturday, January 25. Hide Caption 56 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – An Orthodox priest prays during protests on January 25. Hide Caption 57 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Some 10,000 Ukrainians take part in the funeral ceremony of dead protester Yuri Verbytsky in the western city of Lviv on Friday, January 24. Hide Caption 58 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A line of Ukrainian riot police block a road on January 24. Hide Caption 59 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester puts on a gas mask near Dynamo Stadium in Kiev on January 24. Hide Caption 60 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly – Ukrainian Oksana Tikhomirova cries as she urges riot police to stop the violence outside a government district in central Kiev on January 24. Hide Caption 61 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Molotov cocktails sit in a basket ready to be used by protesters in Kiev on January 24. Hide Caption 62 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police stand guard near Dynamo Stadium on January 24. Hide Caption 63 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester passes past graffiti that reads "Government for People" in the Ministry of Agricultural Policy building in Kiev on January 24. Hide Caption 64 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A man walks past the wreckage of a car on January 24. Hide Caption 65 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Ukrainian protesters use a huge catapult to throw stones at riot police as tires burn in Kiev on Thursday, January 23. Hide Caption 66 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police officers gather in Kiev on January 23. Hide Caption 67 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Opposition leader Vitali Klitschko, center, addresses protesters near the burning barricades between police and protesters in central Kiev on January 23. Hide Caption 68 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police stand guard near a burnt-out bus covered in icicles in Kiev on January 23. Hide Caption 69 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester walks past burning tires in Kiev on January 23. Hide Caption 70 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester shoots fireworks at police during clashes in Kiev on January 23. Hide Caption 71 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester carries tires toward a fire on January 23. Hide Caption 72 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police officers line up in Kiev during clashes on Wednesday, January 22. Hide Caption 73 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester throws a Molotov cocktail on January 22. Hide Caption 74 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters shoot from behind a shield among burning automobile tires in Kiev on January 22. Hide Caption 75 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Riot police officers gather as they clash with protesters in the center of Kiev on January 22. Hide Caption 76 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester throws a Molotov cocktail during clashes with police in central Kiev. Hide Caption 77 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Ukrainian protesters are seem during a mass action of opposition on Grushevsky Street. Hide Caption 78 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A protester throws a stone in front of a plume of fire and smoke during clashes with police in central Kiev. Hide Caption 79 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Flames leap off a protester during clashes with police on January 22. Hide Caption 80 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A police officer aims his shotgun during clashes with protesters. Hide Caption 81 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Paramedics put a wounded man on a stretcher and into a medical vehicle. Hide Caption 82 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Ukrainian police storm protesters' barricades in Kiev amid violent clashes on January 22. Hide Caption 83 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A European integration supporter is seen in Independence Square. Hide Caption 84 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters are seen in front of burning tires on Grushevsky Street. Hide Caption 85 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A medic treats an injured protester's leg during violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Hide Caption 86 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – A Ukrainian man stands in front of riot police on January 22. Hide Caption 87 of 88 Photos: Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly Ukraine protests turn deadly – Protesters clash with police in Kiev as snow falls on January 22. Hide Caption 88 of 88

What are the protesters' demands?

Who's a better economic ally, Europe or Russia? That's the key issue at the heart of Ukraine's protests. Demonstrators want the government to forge closer ties with Europe and turn away from Russia.

But the dispute is also about power. Many in the opposition have called for the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovych and the ordering of new elections. And both on the streets and in parliament, they've also pushed to alter the government's overall power structure, feeling that too much of it rests with Yanukovych and not enough with parliament.

Who's protesting?

An opposition coalition has been leading the charge against Yanukovych and his allies.

When did the demonstrations start?

In November, thousands spilled onto the streets after Yanukovych did a U-turn over a trade pact with the European Union that had been years in the making -- with Yanukovych favoring closer relations with Russia instead.

What's the latest?

A shaky truce agreed to late Wednesday disintegrated by the next morning, as gunfire erupted again in the square. At least 100 people have died and 500 have been injured since Thursday morning, the head of the protesters' medical service told CNN.

The Ukrainian government has not released an updated figure, but the Interior Ministry said earlier that one police officer was among the dead.

Foreign ministers from Germany, France and Poland met with Yanukovych on Thursday and are to meet with opposition leaders too. European foreign ministers convened an emergency meeting in Brussels, Belgium, where they are considering sanctions against Ukraine.

VENEZUELA

Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A member of the Bolivarian National Police clashes with protestors during a demonstration against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Saturday, May 10. Clashes between anti-government protesters and security forces have left more than 40 people dead and about 800 injured since February, according to officials. Hide Caption 1 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan riot police stormed four encampments of opposition students on Thursday, May 8, across Caracas, including one in front of the United Nations headquarters in the capital city, detaining hundreds. Hide Caption 2 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan National Guard personnel in riot gear dismantle a students' encampment in front of the U.N. headquarters in Caracas on May 8. Hide Caption 3 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan riot police arrest a student taking part in an anti-government protest in Caracas on May 8. Hide Caption 4 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Members of the Venezuelan National Guard detain a man during a protest against the government of President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, on Saturday, April 26. Over several months, protesters unhappy with Venezuela's economy and rising crime have squared off against security forces. Hide Caption 5 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Demonstrators destroy a bank sign in Caracas during a protest against the government on Sunday, April 20. Hide Caption 6 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Police officers shield themselves from fireworks thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 20. Hide Caption 7 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A man helps an injured demonstrator in Caracas on April 20. Hide Caption 8 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A masked protester watches clashes with the National Police in Caracas on Thursday, April 17. Hide Caption 9 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A police officer runs from a fire set off by a Molotov cocktail thrown by protesters in Caracas on April 17. Hide Caption 10 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A masked anti-government demonstrator throws a tear gas canister back at National Police during clashes in Caracas on Saturday, April 12. Hide Caption 11 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A protester shouts for fellow demonstrators to not attack the National Police trapped under a highway with protesters during clashes on April 12. Hide Caption 12 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A student opposed to the Venezuelan government looks toward the National Police during a protest outside the Central University of Venezuela in Caracas on Thursday, April 3. Hide Caption 13 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – An opposition student struggles with members of a pro-government group at the Central University of Venezuela on April 3. Hide Caption 14 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – People shout insults at police Tuesday, April 1, during clashes between police and anti-government protesters in Caracas. Hide Caption 15 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Members of Venezuela's National Police clash with demonstrators in the Cachao sector of Caracas on Monday, March 31. Hide Caption 16 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Protesters clash with members of Venezuela's National Police during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro's government on Sunday, March 30, in Caracas. Hide Caption 17 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Officers stand guard during an anti-government march in Caracas on Saturday, March 29. Hide Caption 18 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Thousands fill the streets of Caracas on Saturday, March 22, during an anti-government protest. Meanwhile, a crowd of pro-government students marched against what they called "fascist violence." Hide Caption 19 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Riot police shoot tear gas during the March 22 protest. Hide Caption 20 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Law enforcement personnel use water cannons to disperse demonstrators on March 22. Hide Caption 21 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Demonstrators clash with members of the National Police after a mass meeting called by opposition students in Caracas on Thursday, March 20. Hide Caption 22 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A person holds a smoking canister as demonstrators clash with members of the National Police on March 20 in Caracas. Hide Caption 23 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – People wearing masks and helmets duck behind a tree as demonstrators clash with members of the National Police on March 20 in Caracas. Hide Caption 24 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – People take part in a protest against President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on Sunday, March 16. Hide Caption 25 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Anti-government protesters kneel as National Guardsmen arrest them in Caracas on March 16. Hide Caption 26 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A National Guard member stands during an anti-government march in Caracas on March 16. Hide Caption 27 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – A demonstrator clashes with government forces during a protest in Caracas on Saturday, March 15. Hide Caption 28 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Clashes continue March 15 in Caracas. Hide Caption 29 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Riot police face off with students in Caracas on March 15. Hide Caption 30 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – An injured demonstrator receives help during clashes in Caracas on March 15. Hide Caption 31 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Anti-government activists, left, face riot police in Caracas on Thursday, March 13. Hide Caption 32 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – An activist is taken by police during an anti-government protest in Caracas on March 13. Hide Caption 33 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Police officers put out a Molotov cocktail on March 13. Hide Caption 34 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests in Venezuela – Venezuelan students clash with riot police during a protest against the government on Wednesday, March 12. Hide Caption 35 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Students walk amid tear gas shot by riot police in Caracas on March 12. Hide Caption 36 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters run from a water cannon blast shot by police in Caracas on March 12. Hide Caption 37 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A police officer is removed from the front line of clashes after being overwhelmed by tear gas in Caracas. Hide Caption 38 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – An injured protester is helped away in Caracas on March 12. Hide Caption 39 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A riot policeman kicks back a tear gas bomb during a protest in Caracas on March 12. Hide Caption 40 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester throws a tear gas canister in Altamira, Venezuela, on Sunday, March 9. Hide Caption 41 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Police keep formation during protests against the government in Caracas on Saturday, March 8. Hide Caption 42 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members arrest an anti-government protester during clashes in the Los Ruices neighborhood of Caracas on Thursday, March 6. Hide Caption 43 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members take cover as a firecracker launched by protesters explodes nearby in Caracas on Wednesday, March 5. Hide Caption 44 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – An activist throws tear gas back at riot police during a protest against the government March 5 in Caracas. Hide Caption 45 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters clash with the National Guard during a protest in Caracas on Tuesday, March 4. Hide Caption 46 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members are deployed in Caracas on March 4. Hide Caption 47 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester throws a tear gas canister toward National Guard members in Caracas on March 4. Hide Caption 48 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Anti-government demonstrators gather during a protest in Caracas on March 4. Hide Caption 49 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters destroy a wall March 4 to get more rocks to throw at riot police in Caracas. Hide Caption 50 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members detain a protester March 4 in Caracas. Hide Caption 51 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A National Guard officer points a tear gas launcher at demonstrators in Caracas on March 4. Hide Caption 52 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters use a giant slingshot to launch stones at police during clashes in Caracas on Monday, March 3. Hide Caption 53 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard members throw tear gas canisters toward opposition activists in Caracas on March 3. Hide Caption 54 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester tries to throw a homemade bomb during clashes with police March 3 in Caracas. Hide Caption 55 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester ducks during clashes with police March 3 in Caracas. Hide Caption 56 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A National Guard member shoots tear gas during protests in Caracas on March 3. Hide Caption 57 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A masked protester with a makeshift shield kicks a tear gas canister launched by the National Guard during clashes in Caracas on Sunday, March 2. Hide Caption 58 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Activists in Caracas march in protest against the government on March 2. Hide Caption 59 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester hurls a Molotov cocktail at National Guard troops on March 2. Hide Caption 60 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester shouts during clashes with government forces in Caracas on March 2. Hide Caption 61 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – National Guard officers stand in formation after a patrol in Valencia, Venezuela, on Saturday, March 1. Hide Caption 62 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters clash with police forces in Caracas on March 1. Hide Caption 63 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator attends a rally with human rights activists in Caracas on Friday, February 28. Hide Caption 64 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters take cover from a police water cannon in Caracas on February 28. Hide Caption 65 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator throws a rock at police during an anti-government protest in Valencia on Wednesday, February 26. Hide Caption 66 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A policeman fires his shotgun to disperse protesters in Valencia on February 26. Hide Caption 67 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Women march to the National Guard headquarters in Caracas on February 26 to protest what they call excessive use of force against anti-government demonstrations. Hide Caption 68 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – An employee of a supermarket in Maracay, Venezuela, inspects the damage done by looters on February 26. Hide Caption 69 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A man stands next to a burning street barricade during a protest against the Venezuelan government in Caracas on Monday, February 24. Hide Caption 70 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Henrique Capriles, an opposition leader and governor of the Venezuelan state of Miranda, joins in a news conference February 24 in Caracas. Opposition leaders and government officials blame each other for the unrest, and both sides show no sign of backing down. Hide Caption 71 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A pedestrian moves past a burning barricade blocking a highway in Caracas on February 24. Hide Caption 72 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro acknowledges the crowd during a motorcycle rally organized in support of his government February 24 in Caracas. Hide Caption 73 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Lilian Tintori de Lopez, the wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, center, walks hand in hand with actress Norkys Batista, left, and lawmaker Maria Corina Machado as they arrive for a news conference in Caracas on February 24. Hide Caption 74 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A motorcyclist, left, argues with demonstrators blocking a highway in Caracas on February 24. Hide Caption 75 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A man wearing a T-shirt with the likeness of Latin American hero Simon Bolivar joins in a pro-government march in Caracas on Sunday, February 23. Hide Caption 76 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A man carries a woman overcome by tear gas that was fired at anti-government protesters in Caracas on Saturday, February 22. Hide Caption 77 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Anti-government protesters take cover during clashes with riot police in Caracas on February 22. Hide Caption 78 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Thousands take to the streets of Caracas on February 22 to protest the government. Hide Caption 79 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Lilian Tintori de Lopez attends an anti-government demonstration in Caracas on February 22. Hide Caption 80 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A Venezuelan protester waves a flag in front of a burning barricade in Caracas on Friday, February 21. Hide Caption 81 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters face National Guard troops in San Cristobal, Venezuela, on February 21. Hide Caption 82 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A woman waves a Venezuelan flag out of her Caracas window on February 21. Hide Caption 83 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A masked protester sprays a flammable substance on a barricade during protests in Caracas on February 21. Hide Caption 84 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Barricades set up by opposition protesters block a road in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas on Thursday, February 20. Hide Caption 85 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester adds fuel to a fire during clashes with police in Caracas on February 20. Hide Caption 86 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters light fires during an anti-government demonstration in Caracas on Wednesday, February 19. Hide Caption 87 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters throw stones at riot police in Caracas on February 19. Protesters have been demanding better security, an end to scarcities, and protected freedom of speech. Hide Caption 88 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Members of the National Police protect themselves during a protest in Caracas on February 19. Hide Caption 89 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Two women sit in front of a line of National Guard officers outside the Palace of Justice in Caracas on February 19. Hide Caption 90 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters throw objects amid tear gas launched by riot police in the Altamira neighborhood of Caracas on February 19. Hide Caption 91 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A supporter of Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez protests outside of the Palace of Justice in Caracas on February 19. Hide Caption 92 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Leopoldo Lopez is escorted by members of the Venezuelan National Guard on Tuesday, February 18, after turning himself in to authorities. Hide Caption 93 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Lopez supporters light fires in the streets of Caracas on February 18. Hide Caption 94 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Thousands of demonstrators gather in support of Lopez in Caracas on February 18. Hide Caption 95 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester faces riot police February 18 during a march in Caracas. Hide Caption 96 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – President Maduro raises his fist during a rally in Caracas on February 18, in this photo released by the Venezuelan government. Maduro and his supporters have blamed the opposition for causing the very problems it protests. Hide Caption 97 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester confronts the National Guard as they block the path leading to downtown Caracas on February 18. Hide Caption 98 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters clash with the National Guard during demonstrations in Caracas on February 18. Hide Caption 99 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Demonstrators stand on a highway during a protest outside La Carlota airport in Caracas on February 18. Hide Caption 100 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A young woman argues with members of the Venezuelan National Guard during an anti-government protest in Caracas on Monday, February 17. Hide Caption 101 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A group of protesters raise their hands during a demonstration in Caracas on Sunday, February 16. The country has an inflation rate of 56.2%, the highest in the world, and many basic goods are missing from store shelves. Hide Caption 102 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator shouts for riot police not to fire tear gas in Caracas on Saturday, February 15. Hide Caption 103 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A student protester returns a tear gas canister to riot police on February 15 in Caracas. Hide Caption 104 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Riot police stand during clashes in Caracas on February 15. Hide Caption 105 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Thousands of students lie on the ground during a protest in front of the Venezuelan Judiciary building in Caracas on February 15. Hide Caption 106 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Students stand in front of police February 14 outside the Caracas headquarters for the Organization of American States. Hide Caption 107 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – On Thursday, February 13, relatives, friends and pro-government supporters carry the coffin of a man who was killed during a protest in Caracas. Hide Caption 108 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez greets supporters during a demonstration in Caracas on Wednesday, February 12. Lopez was charged with murder, terrorism and arson in connection with the protests, according to his party, Popular Will. Lopez denies the accusations, the party said in a statement. Hide Caption 109 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Hide Caption 110 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – The body of a protester is carried away after gunshots were fired during an anti-government rally in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 111 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Police detain a student in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 112 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester walks past a line of riot police in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 113 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A demonstrator is detained after jumping over a riot police line in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 114 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Riot police protect themselves during an opposition rally in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 115 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Police detain a student during clashes in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 116 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – Protesters confront riot police in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 117 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A protester throws a stone in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 118 of 119 Photos: Photos: Protests in Venezuela Protests erupt in Venezuela – A student falls to the ground in front of riot police in Caracas on February 12. Hide Caption 119 of 119

What are the protesters' demands?

Demonstrators are demanding better security, an end to goods shortages and protected freedom of speech.

They blame Venezuela's government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, for those problems. Maduro and other officials blame the opposition for the country's security and economic problems.

Who's protesting?

Many demonstrators across the country are students. Prominent opposition politicians have also led protests and joined marches.

Since February 13, more than 1,100 images have been uploaded to iReport, CNN's user-generated platform. Many of the videos and photos are gruesome and depict violent scenes between demonstrators and police.

When did the demonstrations start?

Nationwide student protests started this month. On February 12, the demonstrations drew global attention after three people were killed.

What's the latest?

Lopez remained in a military prison Thursday as the government pressed terrorism and murder charges against him, his wife said. Lopez has denied the charges, which are connected with violence during the protests.

Maduro, meanwhile, has called members of the opposition fascists and compared them to an infection that needs to be cured. Officials have also accused the United States of plotting to destabilize the government.

THAILAND

Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Hospital workers evacuate an injured villager after an attack near an anti-government rally in Khao Saming in Thailand's Trat province on Sunday, February 23. A 5-year-old girl was killed and more than 30 others wounded when attackers sprayed bullets on an anti-government rally in eastern Thailand, police said. Hide Caption 1 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – A bomb squad examines the scene of an explosion at an anti-government rally in Bangkok on February 23. Two children and a woman were killed and more than 20 injured outside a shopping mall. Protesters have been calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, whom they allege is a puppet of her billionaire brother, the deposed, exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Hide Caption 2 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Debris is marked at the scene of the explosion in Bangkok on February 23. Hide Caption 3 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – A protester shouts slogans in front of Thai army soldiers on guard during a rally in front of the temporary office of the prime minister at the defense ministry complex in Bangkok on Wednesday, February 19. Hide Caption 4 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – A convoy of trucks carrying protesters sets off for a demonstration at the defense ministry complex in Bangkok on February 19. Hide Caption 5 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Security forces guard the temporary Thai government office during protests in Bangkok on February 19. Hide Caption 6 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters rally in front of the defense ministry complex in Bangkok on February 19. The demonstrators want to replace Yingluck's government with an unelected "people's council" to see through electoral and political changes. Hide Caption 7 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters shout slogans demanding Yingluck's resignation on February 19. Hide Caption 8 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Police officers assist a colleague who was injured by a grenade thrown by protesters in Bangkok on Tuesday, February 18. At least five people were killed and more than 70 were injured in clashes during a police crackdown Hide Caption 9 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Two protesters who were arrested are taken away in a police van after clashes at Phan Fah Bridge in Bangkok on February 18. Thai police tried to reclaim the area, which anti-government protestors had been occupying for weeks, but were eventually forced to retreat after a grenade explosion and sporadic gunfire. Hide Caption 10 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters wave flags during a standoff with riot police in Bangkok on February 18. Hide Caption 11 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Thai rice farmers clash with security forces in Bangkok on Monday, February 17. The political crisis took on a new twist when a subsidy program that benefited rice farmers -- part of the Prime Minister's base -- was decried as corrupt by opposition leaders. Hide Caption 12 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Protesters arrive at a rally outside a police headquarters in Bangkok on Friday, February 14. Hide Caption 13 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – Riot police stand guard in Bangkok on February 14. Hide Caption 14 of 15 Photos: Photos: Political turmoil in Thailand Political turmoil in Thailand – A demonstrator sits in front of a row of riot police during an operation to reclaim government offices occupied by protesters in Bangkok on February 14. The attempted evictions led to a flare-up of violence after a period of relative calm. Hide Caption 15 of 15

What are the protesters' demands?

Protesters in Bangkok have been calling for months for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, who they allege is a puppet of her billionaire brother, the deposed, exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Who's protesting?

Opposition to Thaksin and Yingluck is strongest among the urban elites and middle class. That's why the demonstrations have been concentrated in Bangkok. The protesters want to replace Yingluck's government with an unelected "people's council" to see through electoral and political changes.

When did the demonstrations start?

Protests began in November after Yingluck's government tried to pass an amnesty bill that would have paved the way for her brother's return to the political fray.

What's the latest?