Thousands of elderly Venezuelans have taken to the streets of Caracas and other cities to protest against the government of Nicolas Maduro amid a worsening economic crisis. Police blocked access to a main road in the capital and used pepper spray to try to control the crowd. Venezuela is facing a shortage of many basic items, including medicines and medical equipment. Many feel that elderly people have been particularly affected by the crisis in the health system. "I'm here to defend my grandchildren, to defend my country," 78-year-old Rafael Colmenares told Reuters news agency during the demonstration in Caracas.

Source: The Star May 12, 2017 21:56 UTC