Venezuelans Mourn the Death of Hugo Chavez

Venezuelans mourn the passing of the charismatic, controversial President known as 'El Comandante'.

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Following the death of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, scores of mourners took to the streets of Caracas to mourn his death. Chavez died at 58 following after a battle with cancer. Seven days of mourning were declared, all schools were suspended for the week and friendly heads of state were expected for an elaborate funeral Friday.

Holding office for over 14 years, Chavez was a divisive figure. His supporters — so called “Chavistas” — often branded him a modern socialist hero, while detractors compared him to “personality cult” leaders such as China’s Mao Zedong. Chavez’s death may spark a constitutional upheaval in the country, where he and his party controlled the world’s largest oil reserves.

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