(AP) Chavez backers, protesters clash in Venezuela
CARACAS, Venezuela
Students protesters marching to protest Venezuela’s electoral commission and government have clashed with supporters of the late President Hugo Chavez on Thursday.
Both sides threw bottles and rocks and scuffles broke out. It was unclear how many people had been injured, but student leaders said at least 10 people from their side had been hurt.
About 300 students were marching through central Caracas when they encountered about 100 Chavez supporters, who began hurling rocks and bottles. The students returned the volley of objects, and fistfights broke out.
Splinter groups of Chavez supporters tried to attack the students from side streets, but were repelled by plastic bullets and tear gas fired by police.
The students were asking that the commission eliminate requirements that voters have their fingerprints recorded before voting. They were also demanding the government not interfere in politics ahead of an April 14 vote to replace Chavez.
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