The Devil's Excrement

Took these two pictures tonight of the demonstrations. The one on the left is a makeshift stand where speeches were given at the “Meritocracy Square” where all the problems with the repression began this afternoon. The one on the right is the Autopista del Este where protesters continue their actions at this time. The National Guard has dissapeared from the scene and protests continue around the country.

It is still unclear what happened today. What appears to have happened is that the more “Taliban-like” members of the Chavez administration decided to repress the protest, but they were opposed by other military. This appears to be confirmed by the fact that Gen. Baduell, who was responsible for the return of Chavez in April, apologized publicly for the violent acts of the National Guard. He justified the airplanes flying over Maracay by saying that they were “practicing” for an air show on Dec. 10th. I find that hard to believe, I think he was making a show of his strength and power.

Courtesy of vcrisis and Alek, here is the protest carried out in London yesterday against the Chavez Government

The Comision Nacional Electoral (CNE) which makes all electoral decisions voted today by four to one to hold a referendum on Feb. 2nd. to ask the people if they want President Hugo Chavez to voluntarily resign. Earlier the vote had been three to one, which the Supreme Court in a very convoluted argument had said was not legal as four of the five possible votes were needed.

(Read this post from top to bottom)

2:51 PM The National Guard is now gassing the reporters who were complaining to the officers of the Guard, one reporter is now injured. Way to go Hugo!

2:54 PM Reporters are now putting on bulletproof vests. Shit! Pictures of facism by the National Guard all over the place. Hope the world can finally see Hugo Chavez for what he is. Look at the crying lady below to the right. Shame!Shame! Shame!

3:48 PM Dissident Generals of Plaza Altamira are now trying to talk to the

National Guard that are actually gassing them right now.

The National Guard just dispersed a peaceful gathering of PDVSA oil workers who were gathering to support one of the Mangers of the comnpany whose house was assaulted last night. There were kids, women and people listening to speeches when the attack took place. The strike will now continue and the stupid action by the Government might simply be the catalyst that was needed. Where is Jimmy Carter, Cesar Gaviria, Human Rights Watch? Fools!!!

The First Circuit Court granted the Governor of Miranda State Enrique Mendoza the injunction he requested against the militarizaton of Caracas on the grounds that the Governor,as it highest cicvilian authority, had not approved the militarization. The decision implies that all military pesonnel has to abanndon the streets of Miranda state immediately after General Garcia Carneiro, who ordered the measure is notified or the decision published. This may be a first step in restoring civilian authority to most of Caracas.