The official inquiry would cover the killing of at least a dozen people by gunmen during a huge anti-Chavez protest march in Caracas April 11. These deaths triggered the short-lived coup against the former paratrooper and his three-year-old tenure in the world's No. 4 oil exporter. The probe would also investigate the deaths of several dozen others in big street protests by his supporters and widespread looting which accompanied his tumultuous return to power with the help of loyal troops early on April 14.
…………..Critics of the president, including senior military officers who staged the 48-hour coup against him, say pro-Chavez gunmen firing mostly from rooftops ambushed the April 11 protest march by tens of thousands of Venezuelans who were clamoring for the resignation of the populist leader. Civil Defense officials said 17 people were killed by gunshots and more than 100 injured. In his letter, Chavez said, "Twelve compatriots were massacred in the middle of violent clashes, which still appear very confused." To back their accusations, opponents of the government point to television footage showing pro-Chavez militants firing pistols at the marchers from a bridge.***