Understanding the Venezuelan crisis in a Tube map
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Your support makes all the difference.As the crisis in Venezuela continues, its people abroad call for international attention and media coverage.
Tomorrow, Venezuelans living in the UK have planned an anti-government demonstration to support the students and fellow compatriots that have died, been injured and arrested across the oil-rich nation since 12 February. It will take place at the BBC Broadcasting House in London and will then move towards the Embassy of Venezuela in South Kensington.
16 other cities in Europe will join, including Madrid, Paris, Dublin and Barcelona.
Supporting their protest with material in English, instead of the country's native language, Spanish, the objective is to help the media understand the background of the current demonstrations in Venezuela. The graphic, above, simulating a Tube map entitled "Mind the Cr*p", highlights some of the main issues that have caused the current social unrest, such as lack of democracy, an economic crisis, shortage of essential products, unemployment, polarisation and insecurity (murdering and kidnapping).
At least six people have died as a result of the violent clashes between anti- and pro-government supporters. Hundreds of the students protesting have been arrested and one of the three opposition leaders, Leopoldo Lopez, was charged with arson and conspiracy on Thursday morning.
Hugo Chavez's Social Revolution has governed the country for 14 years. In the last decade, thousands of Venezuelans have left the South American country in search of a brighter future - however, still some of expatriates hope to return to their homeland.
"I want to return to a free country. I'm joining the protest tomorrow to support the students that are struggling to realise their dreams, to fight against the violations of the human rights in my country," said London-based Ileana Diaz, 29.
"People are arrested and tortured in Venezuela for simply taking pictures of the clashes. Protesting is a constitutional right, and this all seems unfair."
On Saturday's protests, Santiago Dominguez, 27, said: "As Venezuelans abroad, we believe it is paramount to be the voice of the students and those oppressed by the government. To act as a unified body raising awareness among the leaders of the international community.
"I believe that is of extreme importance to have leadership worth of our country in every city Venezuelans inhabit."
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