Venezuela: tribute to 320 people who died during events since 2014

Three hundred-twing names written in white painting spread out on one of the entry ways of the central university of Venezuela (UCV) in Caracas: those of people who have died since 2014 during demonstration against the power of the president Nicolas Maduro.

“It is a protest to remember on this youth day of all these young people who have lost their lives (…) simply for having raised the voice in favor of a country of which they dreamed”told AFP Miguel Angel Suarez, president of the Federation of UCV University Centers, the main university of the country.

Youth Day is an important annual meeting in Venezuela and power organized a march in the Venezuelan capital, a month after Nicolas Maduro’s inauguration for a third term at the end of the presidential election July whose opposition claims victory.

“Unfortunately, we live this reality where they (power) seek to intimidate us, to reduce us to silence. But we will not give up “said Miguel Angel Borsegui, 23, student leader.

The ceremony took place with many police officers deployed outside the university campus designed by architect Carlos Raul Villanueva and declared heritage of humanity by UNESCO.

During the march of power organized at the center of Caracas, the demonstrators of all ages joined the National Assembly to submit a document containing proposals to legislate on subjects linked to youth.

“First of all, we are all young, or in age or heart”AFP Barbara Falcon, 39, told AFP. “Secondly, (we are there) in defense of all that is our revolutionary process, all that was the successes we have obtained (…) It is our responsibility as prolonged youth”.