Protesters call for others to get involved. Maria Fernandez.

Last Friday, President Maduro was interviewed by CNN, where he expressed no great worry about the unrest, saying, “I sleep like a child.” More recently, Daniel Tinoco, a 24 year old engineering student, was killed Wednesday at a peaceful vigil when two white trucks filled with armed passengers attacked protestors. The same day John Kerry told reporters that the US is prepared to impose sanctions on Venezuela, but that many South American countries have failed to get involved, even though they could provide more significant economic pressure.

Though evening crowds have thinned, student protestors continue to fill the streets, most of them members of Venezuela’s neglected middle class. 

Neon Tommy talked exclusively with Maria Fernandez, a woman living in Caracas who frequently participates in the Venezuelan protests and posts pictures of the unrest on social networking sites. Like many others, she is angry at the government’s failure to fix food shortages, out of control inflation, and rising crime.

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In response, Maria has taken to the streets alongside thousands of others.

“The protests are very dangerous, especially in emblematic zones like Altamira,” she said. “Other areas east of Caracas is where much of the violence and protesting has been.”

When asked about the sparse involvement of the working class, she noted their justified reluctance, saying, “Until now there haven’t been any manifestations in popular sectors due to fear.”

Based on her experiences protesting under both Chavez, Venezuela’s late president, and Maduro, Maria argues that the new regime, while of the same political model, is rampant with inexperience.

“Chavez knew how to navigate internal situations. Maduro has no idea what he is doing,” she said. 

Regarding international involvement, her opinion reflected that of U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry.

“The international community will respond if the situation turns into a Civil War," Maria said. "As of now they’ve shown little enthusiasm.

"Remember the oil factor.” 

Wounds from smoke bomb canister/via Maria Fernandez

Maria’s daughter also attends many of the protests. Until recently however, her son had been reluctant to participate due to the danger. But on March 7th, Maria’s son did get involved, and suffered a head wound after he was hit by a smoke bomb. “There you have it,” she told Neon Tommy, sending a picture of the gash. “Fifteen stitches, product of a smoke bomb to the head.” 

Reach Staff Writer Andre Gray here.