Students protest Chavez attempt to end term limits

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Police used tear gas, plastic bullets and a water cannon on Tuesday to break up a protest by university students against President Hugo Chavez's attempt to eliminate term limits.

Officers in anti-riot gear scattered more than 2,000 students after they set out from a Caracas plaza to demonstrate against a proposed constitutional amendment that would lift term limits for all elected officials, including Chavez.

No injuries were reported. Several dozen students later regrouped nearby and tossed rocks at police before fleeing.

"We didn't provoke the police. We've been victims of violence just as Chavez ordered," said student leader Juan Mejia. "We are not going to stop. We will stay in the streets."

The president recently ordered authorities to break up student protests if they turn violent.

The Chavista-dominated National Assembly approved the proposed changes to the constitution last week. The amendment goes to voters in a Feb. 15 referendum.

It is the second bid by Chavez, who is currently barred under the constitution from seeking re-election in 2012, to amend the charter to run for office again. In December 2007, voters narrowly rejected a package of measures that would have scrapped presidential term limits.

Critics argue the proposed amendments would weaken democracy. Chavez's supporters say he needs more time to lead Venezuela's transition to socialism.

Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami said the students did not have permission for Tuesday's protest.

Caracas Police Chief Carlos Meza told state television authorities detained the driver of a sound truck used by the students and impounded it. Meza said police found bottles and gasoline, allegedly for making Molotov cocktails, inside the truck.

Student leaders insisted their demonstration had been peaceful. They accused police of planting the bottles and gasoline in the truck after seizing it.

Officers in the city's Chacao district, which is controlled by an opposition mayor, arrested 10 Chavez supporters as they approached the student protest on motorcycles, police said in a statement. Two of them were allegedly carrying firearms.

Chavez denounced the protests in a speech, calling the student leaders "children of the bourgeoisie" and accusing them of trying to provoke violence.

"We aren't going to allow it," he said.