Throngs of Venezuelans march despite Carnival holiday
http://news.yahoo.com/venezuela-leaders-must-start-talks-stop-arrests-us-165905290.html
Caracas (AFP) - Tens of thousands of Venezuelans skipped the traditional Carnival holiday that is a yearly highlight for many to instead march in nationwide protests against President Nicolas Maduro's governmen
The demonstrations, part of a wave of nearly month-old protests that have left 18 people dead and more than 260 injured, were called in outrage at insecurity, government repression and shortages of basic goods.
"This is the people's struggle against the inefficient government. Maduro, you have lost today the streets of Venezuela because the streets belong to the people," Central University of Venezuela student leader Juan Requesens told nearly 20,000 people gathered in Caracas.
The students called for a "genuine dialogue" with the president and for discussion on ending the standoff marred by violence.