Rally and challenge to the Government

March 8, 2003

The opposition held its first rally today, since a judge issued a warrant for the arrest of some of its most important leaders two weeks ago. The rally started slow but it got better with time, climaxing when Juan Fernandez, one of the leaders of the PDVSA workers who have gone into hiding, showed up and spoke to the crowd in a clear challenge to the Government. More than half an hour later, intelligence police patrols showed up, a little late to catch Mr. Fernandez. But the crowd was outraged by the presence of the patrol cars and began throwing stones and surrounding them, blocking their way out. The intelligence police threw tear gas at the crowd when they started stoning them, interestingly enough and as we have been accustomed to, the leading stone throwers were female. What a way to celebrate Women’s day! The Governor of Miranda State, one of the speakers during the rally, had to intervene to allow the cars to leave, even if some windows were broken. This is certainly going to upset the Dictator!!!


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