A triumphant Hugo Chavez returns to Caracas after the defeat of the US-backed 2002 coup.



April 12, 2012 -- Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal -- The April 2012 broadsheet of the Australia-Venezuela Solidarity Network marks the successful defeat of the US-backed coup aginst Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez.

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On April 13, 2012, Venezuelans and supporters of democracy across the world will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of a popular uprising that defeated a US-backed coup against President Hugo Chavez. The day is an important reminder that any attempts by foreign governments and the internal opposition to remove Chavez from power -- whether through coups or at the October 7, 2012, presidential election -- will be met with the popular mobilisation of the people, on the streets and at the ballot box.

On April 11, 2002, the right-wing opposition, backed by the US and private media, organised a military coup that briefly removed Chavezf rom office. The head of the Chamber of Commerce (Fedecamaras) Pedro Carmona was declared president and a decree was issued dissolving the Supreme Court, the constitution and the National Assembly, and fired the ombudsman and the attorney general.

In response, masses of poor Venezuelans came out onto the streets in protest and loyal sections of the armed forces retook the presidential palace. Chavez was restored as president within 48 hours.

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Click here to download the broadsheet (in PDF) or read it on screen below (best viewed in full-screen mode).

Watch two classic documentaries on the coup, Venezuela -- The Revolution Will Not Be Televised and

Llaguno Bridge: Keys to a Massacre.