At least two people were killed and 23 injured during protests by anti-government and pro-government supporters in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas.
President Nicolas Maduro said that there will be no coup d'état.
Venezuela's government and opposition traded accusations after the deaths of three people in the fiercest riots since protests followed President Nicolas Maduro's narrow election victory last year.
"There will be no coup in Venezuela, be convinced of that. Democracy will continue, and the revolution will continue," Maduro said on state television.
After almost a year since the death of the socialist leader Hugo Chávez, yesterday's bloodshed is an indication of the deep polarization of the country and the mutual distrust of the two political blocs, the ruling and the opposition, according to Reuters.
President Maduro said yesterday that he would increase security measures in cities across the country following protests that left three people dead and 26 injured.
"There will be no coup in Venezuela, be convinced of that. Democracy will continue, and the revolution will continue," Maduro said on state television.
He added that he had given clear instructions to the state security services to secure the largest cities and that anyone who tried to carry out violence would be arrested.
"They want to remove the government by force. They have no morals. We will not allow any more attacks," Maduro said.
Lopes: Millions will be on the streets
About 10.000 opponents of President Nicolas Maduro rallied in Caracas on Wednesday, and opposition leader Leopoldo Lopes said they would draw millions of people to take to the streets to oppose corruption and crime and pressure the government to resign.
Meanwhile, Maduro's supporters organized a counter rally.
Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopes (photo: Reuters)
The President of the National Assembly of Venezuela, from the ruling Socialist Party, announced yesterday that one supporter of President Maduro's government was killed.
"We have two victims, they are a supporter of the government of Juan Montoya and the student Basil da Costa," said the representative of the prosecution, reported AFP.
After that, the third victim, a member of the opposition, a student, was also reported
"We will not withdraw and we cannot withdraw because it is about our future, about our children, about millions of people," said Lopes.
Yesterday, unknown assailants shot into the crowd, in front of the state prosecutor's office in Caracas. The government announced that in addition to the arrests, four police vehicles were set on fire and several government offices were demolished.
Lopes, who is leading the protest campaign under the slogan "Exit", rejected accusations that he was inciting a coup, saying he hoped to force Maduro to resign.
Lopes said the government planned the bloodshed to try to discredit the peaceful movement.
"They are accusing me without any evidence. I am innocent. My conscience is clear because we called for a peaceful protest," he said, adding that the demonstration would continue.
"We will not withdraw and we cannot withdraw because it is about our future, about our children, about millions of people," said Lopes.
Demonstrators hold a coffin symbolizing their fallen comrades (photo: Reuters)
In the last few weeks, several small demonstrations have been held across Venezuela, during which 20 people have been arrested.
On the occasion of the demonstration, Maduro said that "right-wing fascists" were trying to overthrow him from power.
These are the most massive demonstrations Maduro has faced since being elected president nearly a year ago, following the death of Hugo Chavez.
Earlier in the day, in the western Venezuelan city of Merida, three people were injured by gunfire during student protests, local authorities said.
Merida Mayor Carlos García stated that government supporters, who arrived at the protest site on motorcycles, began shooting at the gathered protesters, with gunshot wounds to two students and an elderly woman.
Garcia is an opponent of Maduro and has blamed the Venezuelan government for the incidents.
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