Death of Three More Protesters Amid Ongoing Anti-Government Protests in Venezuela

The Attorney General of Venezuela announced on Thursday, July 27, the death of three individuals during clashes on the first day of a strike against the government of Nicolas Maduro. Venezuelan opposition leaders had announced the start of a two-day strike on Wednesday, July 26. Over four months of protests against Mr. Maduro's government, which began in April, have resulted in more than a hundred deaths, with no signs of an end in sight. According to Reuters, the death toll from these protests rose one day after the Trump administration deemed 13 senior officials in this government subject to sanctions. Consequently, military and police commanders in the country are also under U.S. sanctions, and the U.S. government has announced that it is considering broader sanctions that may target the country's oil industry as well. Previously, in May, the United States had also sanctioned members of the Venezuelan Supreme Court who are close to Nicolas Maduro. Reuters, citing American officials, describes the aim of these sanctions as demonstrating Washington's determination for 'swift and decisive economic actions' should the Maduro government hold a vote on the establishment of a constituent assembly on Sunday. Nicolas Maduro has emphasized the execution of this vote. Critics of the Venezuelan government believe that this vote will only lead to the 'consolidation of dictatorship' in the country. According to the country's law, the constituent assembly will have the power to rewrite the constitution and annul current laws that are interpreted as favorable to the opposition. Since Maduro announced efforts to change the constitution in May, protests in the country have entered a new phase, and the fervor has not diminished. Protesters accuse Nicolas Maduro's government of being a 'dictatorship' and incapable of managing the country's affairs. However, he denies these accusations. Venezuela is one of the largest holders of oil resources in the world and a significant member of OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries. Nevertheless, many analysts believe that the policies of Hugo Chavez's and subsequently Nicolas Maduro's governments have led to an economic crisis and shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and essential living necessities for millions in the country.