- Title: Amid crisis, supermarket looted in northern Venezuela
- Date: 8th April 2017
- Summary: LOS TEQUES, VENEZUELA (APRIL 7, 2017) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF LOOTING OF SUPERMARKET VENEZUELAN NATIONAL GUARD ARRIVING ON SCENE
- Embargoed: 22nd April 2017 18:39
- Keywords: Los Teques Nicolas Maduro looting crisis
- Location: LOS TEQUES, VENEZUELA
- City: LOS TEQUES, VENEZUELA
- Country: Venezuela
- Topics: Crime/Law/Justice,Crime
- Reuters ID: LVA0016BJGBBC
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A supermarket was looted in northern Venezuela Friday (April 7) as the troubled South American country struggles to confront political and economic crises. Some 60 people were arrested during the chaos.
The looting took place in Los Teques, located some 30 km (18 miles) south of Caracas.
According to eyewitness accounts, the looters forced their entry into the supermarkets.
Los Teques residents were particularly incensed over the death of 19-year old Jairo Ortiz, who was killed during a local protest this past week.
The incident comes during a week of unrest sparked by last week's Supreme Court decision in which it assumed the role of the opposition-led congress. The action was quickly overturned, but the global outcry it sparked galvanized the opposition.
Two-time presidential candidate and current Miranda state Governor Henrique Capriles, who was seen by many as the opposition's best chance in the presidential election scheduled for 2018, was banned Friday from holding political office for 15 years. The order cited "administrative irregularities" including breaking contracting laws and improper management of donations, according to a copy of the ban.
Venezuela has been pummeled by a brutal economic crisis that has millions skipping meals, unable to afford the soaring prices for basic goods and facing long lines for scarce products.
Some 200 members of the Venezuelan National Guard arrived on the scene to halt the unrest. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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