Students clash with Chavez police

[frigidmagi]

BBC

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 students angry at plans to let President Hugo Chavez stand for indefinite re-election as bottles and stones were thrown.

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.

They will be subjected to a popular referendum later this year.

'Unfair restrictions'

Students had chanted "Reform, no - democracy, yes" as they tried to reach parliament.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
Mr Chavez insists that the reforms are necessary
Scuffles 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.

"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.

"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.

Mr Chavez has dismissed criticism of the constitutional changes saying they are needed to accelerate Venezuela's transition to socialism.

Here's an irony for you, students protesting against an anti-western, secular, socialist leader.