Barricading roads with trash and even bathtubs, small groups of protesters held "sit-ins" around Venezuela on Monday in an effort to maintain momentum as anti-government unrest entered a fourth week. President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government accuses protesters of seeking a violent coup with US connivance, while the opposition says he has become a dictator repressing peaceful demonstrations. The protesters' main demand is for elections, although the anger is also underpinned by crippling economic crisis in the oil-producing country. Facing exhortations from around the world to allow Venezuelans to vote, Maduro has called for local state elections - delayed from last year - to be held soon. Trying to keep the pressure on Maduro, the opposition is seeking new strategies, such as a silent protest held on Saturday and Monday's "sit-ins".

Source: The Star April 24, 2017 14:48 UTC