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HUMAN TORCH ATTACK

Horror as protesters in Venezuela set FIRE to a man after accusing him of stealing during rally against hated president

More than 200,000 people took part in demonstration against Nicolas Maduro

THIS is the horror moment protesters in Venezuela set fire to man during a rally against the country’s leader.

The mob accused him of stealing during the demonstration which called on unpopular President Nicolas Maduro to call an early election.

 The horror moment the man was turned into a fireball
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The horror moment the man was turned into a fireballCredit: Getty Images
 Protesters in Venezuela set a man on fire during a march in Caracas yesterday
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Protesters in Venezuela set a man on fire during a march in Caracas yesterdayCredit: Reuters
 They accused the man of stealing during the rally against President Nicolas Maduro
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They accused the man of stealing during the rally against President Nicolas MaduroCredit: Reuters
 The shocking injuries the man received after his ordeal
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The shocking injuries the man received after his ordealCredit: EPA
 Following the blaze the man was surrounded by protesters keeping others away
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Following the blaze the man was surrounded by protesters keeping others awayCredit: Reuters

More than 200,000 people took to the streets with images from the demo showing the man running around after being set on fire.

It appears he attempted to rip off his burning clothes to try and put out the fire and was later pictured sitting down and surrounded by protesters trying to keep others away.

The 160,000 strong march in Caracas, as well as other cities in the South American country, marked the 50th day of angry protests against the president who many see as having seriously mismanaged the country’s economy.

The country has garnered international attention over the last couple of decades under the charismatic but controversial socialist leader Hugo Chavez.

Chavez was known for his rabble rousing speeches, lively personality and management of the country’s significant oil wealth.

As with many of the previous marches in the crisis-hit country, police fired tear gas at protesters in the capital who are suffering from dire shortages of the most basic of good such as food, medicine, soap and toilet paper.

 Demonstrators clashed with riot police during a the protest
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Demonstrators clashed with riot police during a the protestCredit: Getty Images
 Over 200,000 marchers turned out across the country demanding early elections
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Over 200,000 marchers turned out across the country demanding early electionsCredit: Reuters
 Marchers in Caracas tried to reach the interior ministry before being met by police
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Marchers in Caracas tried to reach the interior ministry before being met by policeCredit: Getty Images
 Venezuelans have experienced shortages of food, medicine, soap, and toilet paper
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Venezuelans have experienced shortages of food, medicine, soap, and toilet paperCredit: Getty Images

Mariangel, a 24-year-old businesswoman with the red, blue and yellow colours of the Venezuelan flag painted on her face, told reporters on the ground: “It's been 50 days of protests. I'm here with my two children, I can't get any milk, I can't get any food.”

The opposition blames Mr Maduro for the economic mess in the oil-rich nation and are demanding early elections to replace the man who took over from the late Mr Chavez.

In Caracas marchers tried to reach the interior ministry but were met by police firing tear gas to break up the demonstration – protesters responded by throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails.

Demonstrators carried signs that read "We are millions against the dictatorship" and "No more dictatorship!"

At least 46 people were injured in the eastern district of Chacao, the authorities said, including a woman hit by a vehicle.

Seven weeks of street protests have left 47 people dead and riots were taking place on the city's outskirts overnight.


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