The Caracazo Protests

Available for over a year

In February 1989 government austerity measures sparked days of violent protests in Venezuela. Hundreds of shops and businesses were looted in the capital, Caracas. More than 300 people were killed as the Army took back control of the streets. But many of the victims were innocent bystanders, not involved in the violence - like the husband of Yris Medina, who told her story to Witness. (Photo: Venezuelan National Guard move towards a crowd of protesters during a second day of rioting, February 1989. Credit: Felipe Amilibia/AFP/Getty Images)