Venezuela: Hundreds shelter in Maturin Cathedral

2017 demonstration in Caracas

Source: Fides

About 700 people are locked inside the Nuestra Señora del Carmen Cathedral, in Maturin sheltering from the National Guard and police who have launched a massive security clampdown in the wake of country-wide demonstrations against the government.

The Episcopal Conference of Venezuela has issued written testimonies, audio recordings and videos of the violence that has taken place across the country. At least 14 people are known to have died. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH) has activated its Emergency Commission to monitor complaints of human rights violations.

"Because of the clashes, explosions and brutal repression, citizens in many areas have locked themselves in their homes in terror, "Rogelio Diaz, municipal councilor of Caracas told Fides.

Hundreds of images and videos of the demonstrations have been posted on social media, showing the huge crowds gathered in Caracas and other Venezuelan cities such as Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, Barinas and San Cristóbal.

In Petare, one of the largest favelas on the continent, people with bandanas who were trying to close the city's entrance routes were dispersed by the National Guard, using bullets and tear gas.

The United States, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Mexico have now recognised opposition leader Juan Guaidó as the new head of State replacing President Nicholas Maduro.

A statement by the Holy See Press Office Director said that Pope Francis is closely following the volatile crisis and praying for the people.

Responding to questions from several journalists who are in Panama to cover World Youth Day, Alessandro Gisotti, interim Director of the Holy See Press Office, said Pope Francis is being updated regarding the situation in Venezuela.

"In Panama, the Holy Father has been informed of the news coming from Venezuela and is closely following the situation as it evolves. He is praying for the victims and for all the people of Venezuela. The Holy See supports all efforts that help save the population from further suffering" he said.