Apr 2013 - my london diary

	Stand Off at Venezuela Embassy South Kensington, London. Sat 20 Apr 2013
	Supporters of newly elected President Maduro had arrived well before and put up banners on the embassy wall including one 'Yankees go Home BBC = Mouthpiece of UK Imperialism" One or two of those protesting against Maduro stood watching as supporters of Maduro spoke While one woman holding a Venezuelan flag protested loudly that Maduro was an illegitimate president A woman holds a poster saying Defend the legitimate President of Venezuela - Maduro One small violent incident when a passing man grabbed a Cuban poster from the wall. The protesters seized it back and pushed him away. The protesters on both side shouted at each other but I saw no incidents. A woman holds a poster 'We are peace, We are Venezuela, We are Chavez - but we love our Caprilisto brothers'
	An argument between two women from the pro and anti- Maduro groups Supporters of President Maduro argue about how they should protect the embassy A woman chants her support for President Maduro No more coups says the poster held by one protester The supporters of losing candidate Henrique Capriles have more professionally produced posters, headbands, caps etc and seem to be mainly European in origin and middle-calss While those defending the democratically elected President Maduro have a more ethnic look, reflecting the popularity of Chavez and Maduro with the workers and peasants.
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