While much of the world is focused on turmoil in Ukraine, another country is wrapped up in political and social crisis. The South American nation of Venezuela has had mass protests in Caracas, its largest city and capital, over food shortages and massive economic inflation. The protests come after the new government, led by Nicolas Maduro, took power after the death of Hugo Chavez, the 14 year president of the country.

Since Maduro’s close election last year, the economy has nearly collapsed, with food running out, and the inflation rate climbing to 56 percent, according to Reuters. The government has responded in an unacceptable way, with the government outlawing peaceful protests, and police attacks. Officials have also begun to oust foreign and domestic media from the protests and country. The people of Venezuela, as well as other American nations, should not stand for this and a new government should come to power.

The government under Maduro has failed to live up to its duties to the people of Venezuela by allowing massive shortages of food and money in the few short months of its power. The government has mismanaged the state controlled industries and allowed for chronic food shortages in many of the staple goods. Reports from Venezuela’s central bank show that since 2009, these shortages have risen to a level so high that 20 percent of state supplied staple goods are in short supply. This, in combination with the massive inflation rate, is reason enough to doubt the government and give credibility to the protesters.

The government of Venezuela has dealt with the protests harshly and unfairly. According to The Guardian, riot police attacked over 5,000 peaceful protesters with tear gas and riot gear. The protesters were marching for more reliable food supplies from the government run markets, and have been denied the right to peaceful protest. The current government is anti-democratic and cannot be allowed to hold on to its power.

Adding to the problems of the situation is the fact that the government has enacted a policy of forcing out foreign media outlets, and controlling state media to not report on the protests. According to CNN, the government outlaws any domestic media from reporting anything that “Foments anxiety,” or “incites or promotes hatred and intolerance … for political reasons,” This lead to a majority of Venezuelan media outlets being silent on Feb. 12, when protests reached a peak with the death of three people.

While it is true that the country should make its own decisions without foreign intervention, and the government should have a chance to right its economy, the situation in Venezuela has gone to far. The government has taken far harsher actions than necessary, and has adopted a policy of censorship, and anti-democratic legislation. The people of Venezuela should demand a change, and other nations should lobby for their right to a voice in politics.