A day before opposing rallies in Caracas, Venezuela gave three US Embassy officials 48 hours to leave the country, charging that the Americans are siding with opposition protesters.  The Obama administration denied the allegations and expressed concern over the government’s response to what it called “peaceful protests”.

But at night, those “peaceful protests” turn into battles with police, and several people have been injured while others have been arrested.  The demonstrations have energized the opposition but show few signs they can oust popularly elected President Nicolas Maduro.

On Tuesday, government supporters will rally in the central plaza of Caracas, while the opposition said it will reroute its march to avoid a confrontation with the larger crowd.  An arrest warrant is issued for opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who says he will lead the march and if necessary go to jail for his beliefs.