Venezuela's Pro-Government Activists Play a Role in Protest Violence

Venezuelan pro-government political activists — known as "colectivos," or collectives — have been at the center of political violence since the recent wave of protests began. Members of the colectivos reportedly have opened fire on several protests since Feb. 11, leading to deaths in at least one case. Although the government does not publicly sanction the colectivos' violent actions, members of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela have historical ties to these groups. National Assembly Speaker Diosdado Cabello was particularly influential in founding the colectivos. His ties to these groups are close enough that he was the one who announced the death of a pro-government Carapaica movement leader during a confrontation with opposition protesters Feb. 12.

The colectivos are an important support base for the government, and any influence over their actions could give Cabello notable influence over the outcome of the current protests. However, the use of armed gangs against civilians has significant drawbacks. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, speaking for the government, has attempted to distance the leadership from acts of violence. As a result, the colectivos have appeared to scale back their actions against protests, possibly under orders from their patrons, and violence since the Feb. 12 clashes has been limited.