With a daily export of over 2.5 million barrels, Venezuela is the second largest supplier of oil to the United States, and a shutdown of Venezuelan oil production would have an international impact. Writing signs with their own blood, union members, parents and friends are seeking to dramatize their demand that jailed university students be freed. Over 200 university students that participated in the 10-month strike against the national university UNAM are still imprisoned. UNAM is the largest and one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America. The students have been charged with trespassing, kidnapping and burglary.
Conditions are crowded and unsanitary, causing many to become ill.
The imprisoned students have vowed to continue their fight for free, accessible education for all. They burned a car and lit firecrackers, demanding decent homes. One protester was killed, and nine were left wounded. It is infamous for the desperate conditions of its inhabitants, where children become addicted to gasoline inhalation and girls become prostitutes at a very early age to survive. This has been another empty promise.