Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido declared himself interim president on January 23 as tens of thousands of people took part in protests against socialist President Nicolas Maduro. Some of the nationwide demonstrations have turned violent, reportedly leaving at least four people dead. With Venezuela in the midst of economic collapse, Maduro was reelected last year in a vote labeled illegitimate at home and abroad.
Venezuela In Crisis As Opposition Leader Declares Himself Acting President
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A police officer fires rubber bullets during a protest against the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas on January 23. Maduro was sworn in early in January following his reelection in a poll considered fraudulent by much of the international community.
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Members of the national police force clash with protesters during an antigovernment demonstration in Caracas on January 23.
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Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, declares himself the country's acting president during the mass protests on January 23. U.S. President Donald Trump said he recognized Guaido as interim president, prompting Maduro's government to break off diplomatic ties with Washington.
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Antigovernment protesters hold up their hands as Guaido took an oath swearing himself in as acting president.
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Protesters face off with police in Caracas. At least four people were reported to have died in overnight clashes before the nationwide protests.
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Paramedics rescue a wounded member of the national guard during clashes with opposition demonstrators. The January 23 protests took place on the anniversary of the 1958 uprising that overthrew Venezuela's military dictatorship.
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Security forces hold their position during protests in Tachira, western Venezuela.
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An antigovernment uses toothpaste around her eyes to help lessen the effects of tear gas.
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Demonstrators take to the streets of Caracas after members of the opposition called for people to ignore the legitimacy of Maduro's second term. Along with charges of election fraud, Maduro has been criticized for his handling of Venezuela's collapsing economy and for alleged human rights abuses.
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An officer takes his position as thousands demonstrate in Caracas.
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A supporter of President Nicolas Maduro's government wears a button depicting Argentine-born revolutionary leader Che Guevara while taking part in a counterprotest.
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Opposition demonstrators chant slogans in Caracas.
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A confrontation in Caracas
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A paramedic helps a protester suffering from the effects of tear gas.
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Troops detain an antiovernment protester.