Chavez strong-arms the police
The week's news at a glance.
Caracas
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez sent soldiers to disarm Caracas police officers this week. Chavez has accused the police of siding with anti-government demonstrators and harassing his supporters in the streets. Chavez has ignored a Supreme Court order to relinquish control of police stations, which he seized in November. Government spokesmen said it was necessary to confiscate police weapons, including machine guns and riot gear, to keep the public safe. Police Chief Henry Vivas said Caracas’ 9,000 officers, armed only with service revolvers, are now “defenseless” against criminals carrying automatic weapons. “Instead of disarming criminals, they disarm the police. It’s outrageous.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
July 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include an extrajudicial detainment camp, 'alligator Alcatraz', and tax cuts for billionaires.
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about the 4th of July
Cartoons Artists take on liberty and justice for all, a terrifying firework, and more
-
Jeff in Venice: a "triumph of tackiness"?
In the Spotlight Locals protest as Bezos uses the city as a 'private amusement park' for his wedding celebrations