Venezuela Protests: Opposition, pro-Maduro protesters demostrate in Caracas

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02:29

Protesters clashed with riot police in Venezuela's capital. Supporters of President Nicolas Maduro also organised a counter-rally. This after a widespread power outage paralyzed much of the country. From Caracas, CGTN's Stephen Gibbs filed this report.

A stand off in Caracas. On one side, the police. On the other, opposition supporters. At the front line, we saw a concerted attempt, by the opposition, to pressure officers to swap sides.

"Neither of us have a future under this government," this woman said.

The security forces did eventually back down. These officers retreating from the demonstrators, before regrouping.

A few miles away – another demonstration – this one organized by the Maduro government. It hopes images like this will show that its support base remains loyal.

But the authorities are facing a serious test. Venezuela is in the midst of a massive power cut, the longest and most widespread in its history. It has paralyzed much of the country. Flights have been cancelled. Fuel is running out. Many hospitals are entirely without power.

The Maduro government blames the US, alleging that this hydroelectric plant was the target of a cyber attack.

JORGE RODRIGUEZ VENEZUELA COMMUNICATIONS MINISTER "When you attack that system it is like a brain going crazy, the system goes crazy. So when the automatized electronic system is attacked, the machines at the Guri stop."

The US has said the responsibility for the power cut lies firmly with President Maduro.

ELLIOTT ABRAMS US SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR VENEZUELA "The nation-wide power outage throughout Venezuela is a reminder that the country's once, quite sophisticated infrastructure has been plundered and allowed to decay under Maduro's misrule."

STEPHEN GIBBS CARACAS "And here in Venezuela, that power cut continues, now entering its third day. The pressure is now on the government to get the lights back on, before this crisis enters a dangerous new phase."