April 11, 2002: Coup d’État against Hugo Chávez

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Caracas, April 11, 2025 – On April 11, 2002, Venezuela became the stage of one of the most significant and controversial episodes in its recent history: a coup d’état against President Hugo Chávez. Opposition groups (supported by the United States) gathered in the streets to protest against his government. The demonstrations, which initially appeared peaceful, […]

Caracas, April 11, 2025 – On April 11, 2002, Venezuela became the stage of one of the most significant and controversial episodes in its recent history: a coup d’état against President Hugo Chávez. Opposition groups (supported by the United States) gathered in the streets to protest against his government. The demonstrations, which initially appeared peaceful, turned violent when clashes erupted between protesters and security forces.

Chávez was arrested and taken to a military facility. Pedro Carmona, leader of the Venezuelan Confederation of Workers (CTV in Spanish), assumed power as president illegitimately.

This new government faced strong resistance in the streets and manipulated events through the media, while Chávez’s supporters began to mobilize in large numbers.

On April 13, after intense protests and mounting pressure from both the public and the military, Chávez was reinstated as president. This event not only marked a critical turning point in Venezuelan politics, but also left an indelible mark on the country’s history.