By — Rachel Wellford Rachel Wellford Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/venezuelan-government-reacts-recent-protests-criticism Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Here’s why Venezuela just expelled three American diplomats World Feb 17, 2014 2:18 PM EDT An anti-government student protects herself during clashes with the National Guard in Caracas #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/zvDqFGDWHI — AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) February 17, 2014 Venezuela has seen a recent outbreak of violence after demonstrators protested the current socialist leadership. Here’s a timeline of the situation this past week: Last Thursday, three anti-government protesters were shot dead in the capital, Caracas. Following the protests, authorities issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges of conspiracy and murder in connection with the violent protests. On Saturday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf voiced concerns about the violence and tension in Venezuela. In response, the Foreign Ministry in Venezuela accused the American government of lying and said there is strong evidence that opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is responsible for the recent violence. Lopez’s party, Popular Will, blamed the government for the surge of violence during the protests. On Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused three American diplomats of conspiring against the Venezuelan government and called for them to be expelled. Lopez posted a YouTube video on Sunday calling for renewed anti-government protests Tuesday. He also promised to come to the Justice Ministry in person and give the government officials a list of demands from the Venezuelan people. He encouraged fellow protesters to be peaceful and allow him to walk up to the ministry alone. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Rachel Wellford Rachel Wellford Rachel Wellford is a general assignment producer for PBS NewsHour. @rachelwellford
An anti-government student protects herself during clashes with the National Guard in Caracas #Venezuela pic.twitter.com/zvDqFGDWHI — AFP Photo (@AFPphoto) February 17, 2014 Venezuela has seen a recent outbreak of violence after demonstrators protested the current socialist leadership. Here’s a timeline of the situation this past week: Last Thursday, three anti-government protesters were shot dead in the capital, Caracas. Following the protests, authorities issued an arrest warrant for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on charges of conspiracy and murder in connection with the violent protests. On Saturday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf voiced concerns about the violence and tension in Venezuela. In response, the Foreign Ministry in Venezuela accused the American government of lying and said there is strong evidence that opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is responsible for the recent violence. Lopez’s party, Popular Will, blamed the government for the surge of violence during the protests. On Sunday, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro accused three American diplomats of conspiring against the Venezuelan government and called for them to be expelled. Lopez posted a YouTube video on Sunday calling for renewed anti-government protests Tuesday. He also promised to come to the Justice Ministry in person and give the government officials a list of demands from the Venezuelan people. He encouraged fellow protesters to be peaceful and allow him to walk up to the ministry alone. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now