Thousands of students have clashed with police and government supporters in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in protest at constitutional changes.
Thousands of students have clashed with police and government supporters in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, in protest at constitutional changes.
Police fired tear gas at demonstrators hurling bottles and stones, angry at plans to allow President Hugo Chavez to stand for indefinite re-election.
Police fired tear gas at students angry at plans to let President Hugo Chavez stand for indefinite re-election as bottles and stones were thrown.
He would also be allowed to bypass legal controls on the executive during a state of emergency.
Mr Chavez would also be allowed to bypass legal controls on the executive during a state of emergency.
Parliament, composed of Chavez allies, is now debating the changes.
Parliament, composed of Chavez allies, is now debating the changes.
They will be subjected to a popular referendum later this year.
They will be subjected to a popular referendum later this year.
'Unfair restrictions'
'Unfair restrictions'
Students had chanted "Reform, no - democracy, yes" as they tried to reach parliament.
Students had chanted "Reform, no - democracy, yes" as they tried to reach parliament.
Mr Chavez insists that the reforms are necessaryScuffles began when they tried to push through police lines.
Mr Chavez insists that the reforms are necessaryScuffles began when they tried to push through police lines.
Student leader Stalin Gonzalez said at least five demonstrators had suffered minor injuries, the Associated Press reports.
Student leader Stalin Gonzalez said at least five demonstrators had suffered minor injuries, the Associated Press reports.
"There is... a part of this country that rejects these reforms and we want to be heard," Mr Gonzalez told a local television station.
"There is... a part of this country that rejects these reforms and we want to be heard," Mr Gonzalez told a local television station.
Protesters complained that police had stopped their march from reaching the National Assembly while the authorities frequently allow Chavez supporters to stage street demonstrations without restrictions.
Protesters complained that police had stopped their march from reaching the National Assembly while the authorities frequently allow Chavez supporters to stage street demonstrations without restrictions.
"It's clear proof of political discrimination," said Mr Gonzalez.
"It's clear proof of political discrimination," said Mr Gonzalez.
Among the students' concerns about the erosion of civil liberties is the fear that the authorities will be allowed to detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency.
Among the students' concerns about the erosion of civil liberties is the fear that the authorities will be allowed to detain citizens without charge during a state of emergency.
Mr Chavez has dismissed criticism of the constitutional changes saying they are needed to accelerate Venezuela's transition to socialism.
Mr Chavez has dismissed criticism of the constitutional changes saying they are needed to accelerate Venezuela's transition to socialism.
Are you in Caracas? Did you witness the clashes? Send us your accounts using the form below.
Are you in Caracas? Did you witness the clashes? Send us your accounts using the form below.
