Thousands of opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took to the streets on Saturday to express outrage.
Government intimidation, internal power struggles and virtually no access to televised media have disheartened many.
Maduros' rule has been marked by widespread shortages of basic goods like toilet paper and milk, and inflation that's now running at a two-decade high of 54 percent.
Maduro called on his supporters to ignore the protests and instead join officials in a weekend-long, nationwide audit of retailers to ensure they're complying with new rules capping prices and profits.
Two weeks after Maduro ordered the military to occupy several retail chains and slash prices on refrigerators, televisions and other appliances, long lines of bargain hunters continue to form outside stores in Caracas and elsewhere.
The president has vowed to use emergency decree powers granted by Congress this week to deepen the crackdown against businesses he accuses of gouging consumers.
http://www.wral.com/venezuela-s-opposition-stages-nationwide-protests/13147244/