Lacrimógenas, chorros de agua y perdigones contra opositores mientras Maduro activa su Constituyente (fotos)

Lacrimógenas, chorros de agua y perdigones contra opositores mientras Maduro activa su Constituyente (fotos)

Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO

 

 

Fuerzas de seguridad de Venezuela lanzan bombas lacrimógenas contra una manifestación de miles de opositores que rechaza la convocatoria oficial a una Constituyente, en momentos en que el presidente Nicolás Maduro entregaba al poder electoral el decreto que pone en marcha la iniciativa, reseña AFP.





Apoyados por camiones blindados, militares y policías bloqueaban con una lluvia de gases, chorros de agua y perdigones de goma la marcha en la neurálgica autopista Francisco Fajardo, este de Caracas, mientras jóvenes, algunos encapuchados, les respondían con piedras y tubos, en medio de incendios de algunas barricadas.

Mientras tanto, en el centro de la ciudad, adonde las fuerzas de seguridad no dejaban pasar a los opositores, Maduro encabezaba un acto ante miles de seguidores, tras haber entregado al Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE) el decreto de convocatoria al proceso para cambiar la Constitución.

“Convoco a una Asamblea Nacional Constituyente ciudadana y de profunda participación popular para que nuestro pueblo, como depositario del poder constituyente originario, con su voz pueda decidir el destino de la patria”, expresó el mandatario socialista.

Maduro aseguró que la elección de los 500 asambleístas se hará “libremente a través del voto universal, directo y secreto” en “las próximas semanas”, en sectores de la sociedad y municipalidades, lo cual según sus adversarios hará esa elección “fraudulenta”.

“Es un fraude madurista. Como no pueden ganar elecciones quieren imponer el modelo electoral cubano para perpetuarse en el poder”, aseguró el líder opositor Henrique Capriles.

La oposición asegura que la Constituyente consolida un “golpe de Estado”, que según dice inició cuando el máximo tribunal de justicia asumió temporalmente a fines de marzo las funciones del Parlamento, único poder del Estado que controla. Eso desató las protestas que desde el 1 de abril dejan 31 muertos.

Al lado de Maduro, la presidenta del CNE, Tibisay Lucena, a quien la oposición acusa de servir al gobierno, manifestó que el proceso de Constituyente “llevará a la paz del país que todos merecemos”.

– Nuevo estallido de violencia –

A punta de bombas lacrimógenas, las fuerzas de seguridad hicieron retroceder la marcha opositora. “Malditos”, “Asesinos”, les gritan algunos manifestantes bajo la enorme nube de gases. Varias vías del este de Caracas están trancadas con barreras de escombros y basura incendiada.

“Consitutyente sí, guarimaba (protesta violenta) no”, gritaba Maduro en su acto en el centro de Caracas, donde sus seguidores, vestidos de rojo, lo ovacionaban.

Ninguna de las marchas realizadas por la oposición ha logrado llegar al centro de Caracas -considerado bastión chavista, donde están los poderes públicos- pues son bloqueadas y dispersadas por las fuerzas de seguridad.

“Estamos cansados de un gobierno que en 18 años destruyó a un país. Queremos ser libres, tener comida, medicamentos, seguridad. Con esa Constituyente, Maduro lo que busca es oxigenarse, ganar tiempo”, dijo a AFP Nancy Trejos, un ama de casa de 62 años, en la concentración en la autopista.

Las protestas ocurren en medio de una seria crisis económica que socavó la popularidad de Maduro, cuya gestión rechaza, según sondeos privados, más del 70% de venezolanos, cansados de la escasez y de una inflación considerada la más alta del mundo.

La situación ha despertado gran inquietud internacional. España expresó “preocupación”, Argentina, Chile y Estados Unidos estimaron que agravará la crisis, Brasil la calificó de “golpe” y Luis Almagro, secretario general de la Organización de Estados Americanos (OEA) -de la que Venezuela inició su retiro- de “fraudulenta”.

El papa Francisco ha ofrecido ayuda a un “diálogo” pero con “condiciones claras”. Países de la Comunidad de Estados Latinoamericanos y Caribeños (Celac) respaldaron una salida negociada en una reunión en San Salvador el martes.

– ¿Táctica dilatoria? –

Los opositores han reclamado en la calle elecciones, pero el sorpresivo llamado de Maduro a la Constituyente deja en el limbo el calendario electoral: los pendientes comicios de gobernadores que debieron realizarse en 2016, los de alcaldes de 2017 y los presidenciales de 2018.

“Es una táctica dilatoria chimba (tramposa) para zafarse de la presión del pueblo pidiendo elecciones”, aseguró el constitucionalista Juan Manuel Rafalli.

Aunque una Constituyente se convoca para transformar el Estado y redactar una nueva Carta Magna, Maduro asegura que ésta reforzará la Constitución de 1999, impulsada por el fallecido presidente Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) para “profundizar la revolución”.

Constitucionalistas como José Ignacio Hernández y Rafalli sostienen que para ello no es necesario una Constituyente, pero ésta le “garantiza” al gobierno una concentración del poder aún mayor.

En medio de la polémica, la Fuerza Armada, poderoso aliado de Maduro, calificó la Constituyente como una “propuesta revolucionaria, constitucional y profundamente democrática”.

por Maria Isabel SANCHEZ/AFP

Fotos AFP

Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators march along a major highway of Caracas during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Demonstrators march along a major highway of Caracas during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Demonstrators confront a riot police armoured vehicle during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators confront a riot police armoured vehicle during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators clash with riot police as they march along a major highway of Caracas during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Demonstrators clash with riot police as they march along a major highway of Caracas during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists march during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists march during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Riot police agents fire tear gas to demonstrators during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Riot police agents fire tear gas to demonstrators during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
A demonstrator throws back tear gas to the police, during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
A demonstrator throws back tear gas to the police, during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Opposition activists clash with riot police during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
A demonstrator is attended by medical staff during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
A demonstrator is attended by medical staff during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
A demonstrator is attended by medical staff during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
A demonstrator is attended by medical staff during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Riot police agents next to an armoured vehicle move forward along a blocked street, during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police agents next to an armoured vehicle move forward along a blocked street, during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police agents clash with demonstrators during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police agents clash with demonstrators during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police and demonstrators clash during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police and demonstrators clash during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators march amid tear gas during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Demonstrators march amid tear gas during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / JUAN BARRETO
Riot police agents clash with demonstrators during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police agents clash with demonstrators during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police and demonstrators clash during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Riot police and demonstrators clash during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators are sprayed by a riot police water cannon during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators are sprayed by a riot police water cannon during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators are sprayed by a riot police water cannon during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017. Venezuela's angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT
Demonstrators are sprayed by a riot police water cannon during clashes within a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, on May 3, 2017.
Venezuela’s angry opposition rallied Wednesday vowing huge street protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution and accusing him of dodging elections to cling to power despite deadly unrest. / AFP PHOTO / RONALDO SCHEMIDT