Venezuela, the country with the world´s largest oil reserves is experiencing its worst economic and political crisis in its contemporary history. Once the richest and the most stable democracy in South America, Venezuela is now mismanaged by an authoritarian regime that has turned it into a dark dystopian nightmare. People stand in endless lines because of food and medicine shortages. Others are even eating out of garbage bins. Democracy is also in shambles. Opposition leaders have been jailed, exiled or disbarred.
On March 29th 2017, President Nicolas Maduro made his next controversial move. His controlled Supreme Court shut down the Parliament (where the opposition has a majority of seats), assuming in thisway legislative powers over the country. This move unleashed the massive street protests that we continue to see on the streets of Venezuela. Since then, Maduro has continued to assert his power in defiance of the public demonstrations and even intends to redraft a new constitution without consulting the Venezuelan people. Since protests broke out, more than 70 people died on the streets. In addition, more than 13,000 Venezuelan have been injured, another 3,000 have been jailed and more than 300 charged by military courts.
Come and see exceptional images captured by Venezuelan photographers and learn about one of the biggest ongoing protest series.
Opening remarks will be delivered by Antonio Smith Bravo, PhD Candidate at CEU’s Doctoral School of Political Science, Public Policy and International Relations. The exhibition is the initiative of Viva Venezuela Hungria.