From flames to fiery opposition, protests rock Ukraine, Venezuela, Thailand
February 19, 2014 -- Updated 1639 GMT (0039 HKT)
Dramatic scenes are
unfolding during anti-government protests in three disparate countries
this week, on three different continents.
The images are striking, and things are heating up quickly. What's happening on the ground?
Here's a cheat-sheet guide to the protests in Ukraine, Venezuela and Thailand:
Photos: Ukraine protests turn deadly
.
UKRAINE
What are protesters' demands?
Who's a better economic ally, Europe or Russia? That's the key issue at the heart of Ukraine's protests. Demonstrators want the government to forge closer ties with Europe and turn away from Russia.
But the dispute is also
about power. Many in the opposition have called for the ouster of
President Viktor Yanukovych and the ordering of new elections. And both
on the streets and in parliament, they've also pushed to alter the
government's overall power structure, feeling that too much of it rests
with Yanukovych and not enough with parliament.
Who's protesting?
An opposition coalition has been leading the charge against Yanukovych and his allies.
When did demonstrations start?
In November, thousands
spilled onto the streets after Yanukovych did a U-turn over a trade pact
with the European Union that had been years in the making -- with
Yanukovych favoring closer relations with Russia instead.
What's the latest?
Long-simmering tensions exploded anew in Ukraine as clashes between police and anti-government protesters left more than 25 people dead and the capital's central square on fire into early Wednesday.
On Wednesday, U.S.
Secretary of State John Kerry will raise the possibility of sanctions
against the Ukrainian government in remarks in Paris, a senior
administration official told CNN.
Also Wednesday, French
President Francois Hollande said the violence and crackdowns in Ukraine
are "unspeakable, unacceptable, intolerable acts." "Those who committed
violent acts have to know they will be sanctioned," Hollande said.
Photos: Protests erupt in Venezuela
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VENEZUELA
What are protesters' demands?
Demonstrators are demanding better security, an end to goods shortages and protected freedom of speech.
They blame Venezuela's
government, led by President Nicolas Maduro, for those problems. Maduro
and other officials blame the opposition for the country's security and
economic problems.
Who's protesting?
Many demonstrators across the country are students. Prominent opposition politicians have also led protests and joined marches.
When did demonstrations start?
Nationwide student
protests started this month. On February 12, the demonstrations drew
global attention after three people were killed.
What's the latest?
As throngs of supporters chanted their support, opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez turned himself in to authorities Tuesday.
He faces charges of terrorism and murder connected with violence during
the protests. Lopez has denied the charges. Maduro, meanwhile, has
called members of the opposition fascists and compared them to an
infection that needs to be cured.
Photos: Protests in Thailand's national election
.
THAILAND
What are protesters' demands?
Protesters in Bangkok
have been calling for months for the ouster of Prime Minister Yingluck
Shinawatra, whom they allege is a puppet of her billionaire brother, the
deposed, exiled former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Who's protesting?
Opposition to Thaksin
and Yingluck is strongest among the urban elites and middle class.
That's why the demonstrations have been concentrated in Bangkok. The
protesters want to replace Yingluck's government with an unelected
"people's council" to see through electoral and political changes.
When did demonstrations start?
Protests began in
November after Yingluck's government tried to pass an amnesty bill that
would have paved the way for her brother's return to the political fray.
What's the latest?
Deadly violence erupted in the heart of Bangkok Tuesday as anti-government protesters clashed with police, and the country's anti-corruption commission filed charges against the Prime Minister.
CNN's Kocha Olarn and Antonia Mortensen contributed to this report.
