Venezuela political crisis timeline

Jan 2016: President Nicolás Maduro’s government declares 60-day economic emergency amid deep recession fuelled
by low oil prices

Feb: Maduro devalues currency and hikes petrol prices for first time in decades in attempt to shore up economy

Apr: Government restricts public employees to two-day working week as energy-saving measure, after severe drought dramatically reduces water levels at country’s main hydroelectric dam in Guri

Sep: Hundreds of thousands of people march through Caracas, calling for Maduro’s removal and heaping pressure on electoral commission to allow plebiscite on his rule

Apr 25: As death toll from recent unrest rises, opposition vows to “stay on the streets” until presidential elections due to be held in 2018 are brought forward

Mar 29, 2017: Protests erupt across country following decision by government-controlled Supreme Court to strip opposition-led National Assembly of all its powers

Apr 1: Amid international outcry, Supreme Court reverses ruling but demonstrations continue

Apr 7: Opposition leader Henrique Capriles banned from politics for 15 years

Cities where fatalities reported since Apr 1

CARIBBEAN SEA

Caracas

Valencia

Cabudare

Barquisimeto

Guri dam

Barinas

Merida

San Cristobal

VENEZUELA

200km 125 miles

Sources: Wire agencues

Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images