28 March

Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido has called for major anti-government demonstrations on Saturday to put further pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.

Venezuela is in turmoil due to the confrontation between Maduro and Guaido, the head of the national assembly who has proclaimed himself interim president. Russia and China support Maduro, while the United States backs Guaido.

Speaking on Wednesday, Guaido said demonstrations will be held at 30 locations across Venezuela on Saturday as part of a protest campaign, "Operation Liberty."

Earlier this week, people who back Maduro threw stones at the national assembly building and vehicles of Guaido's supporters.

Guaido says Maduro controls the police and they are doing nothing to stop the violent acts against the opposition and their supporters.

The US has stepped up the pressure on Maduro's administration by imposing more economic sanctions.

Observers say Guaido is hoping to make a breakthrough with nationwide demonstrations that will put further pressure on Maduro.

NHK