Thousands demonstrate over Venezuela education law [View All]

Source: AP

Police dispersed opponents of President Hugo Chavez's government on Saturday as thousands demonstrated both for and against an education law that critics fear will lead to political indoctrination in schools.

Officers fired tear gas, a water cannon and rubber bullets to scatter opposition marchers as they tried to break through a police barrier. Protesters including Miguel Rivero, a 43-year-old lawyer, said they requested but did not receive permission to march to the National Assembly.

"It's totally unjust," Rivero said, wiping tear gas from his eyes. "This repression is totally unnecessary."

Justice Minister Tareck El Aissami accused the protesters of "inciting violence" by throwing rocks and other objects at police.

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090822/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_venezuela_education_law