Venezuelan authorities were requested Thursday in a press release from Amnesty International to take prompt action in order to prevent a potential escalation of violence over the next few weeks, in advance of a referendum on the proposed changes to the Constitution.
 
The organization has "watched with concern violent confrontations in the context of the protests that have been held since October 2007, in favor and against the constitutional reform."

"During such protests, there have been violent clashes both between the officials of security agencies responsible for keeping law and order and demonstrators, and between the students who take part in the protests and armed civilians, resulting in at least nine injured and two dead people."

Amnesty International urged the authorities to ensure prompt investigation in an independent, impartial manner, and make the individuals responsible to face trial.