8 March 2014
Last updated at 15:39 ET
The opposition criticised the heavy security operation deployed by the government
The government deployed hundreds of government security forces to prevent a march towards the food ministry.
The authorities say 21 people have been killed in nearly a month of protests.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles told the crowd that detained students and others must be released before any talks with the government.
The opposition criticised the heavy security operation put in place by the government to prevent the march from reaching the food ministry.
"All this military deployment demonstrates the huge fear Nicolas [Maduro] and his government have to the protests against the serious problems faced by Venezuelans," Mr Capriles said.
'Social movement'
Venezuela opposition holds anti-Maduro rally in Caracas
The opposition criticised the heavy security operation deployed by the government
Thousands of Venezuelan students and opposition supporters have gathered for an anti-government rally in the capital, Caracas.
The authorities say 21 people have been killed in nearly a month of protests.
Opposition leader Henrique Capriles told the crowd that detained students and others must be released before any talks with the government.
The opposition criticised the heavy security operation put in place by the government to prevent the march from reaching the food ministry.
"All this military deployment demonstrates the huge fear Nicolas [Maduro] and his government have to the protests against the serious problems faced by Venezuelans," Mr Capriles said.
'Social movement'
The government said it wanted to contain the march because it "had not been authorised".
President Maduro has repeatedly invited all parties to take part in a "dialogue for peace".
But during Saturday's rally, leaders demanded the release of detained students and the suspension of the "repression of the people" before any participation.
Mr Capriles spoke to thousands of women, students and opposition supporters at the "March of the Empty Pot", that coincided with the International Women's Day.
For a month, demonstrators have been complaining about the high levels of violence and shortages of food staples like bread, sugar, milk and butter.
Demonstrators used empty pots to make noise and as a symbol for the shortage of food
"Let's transform this protest into the greatest social movement
in this country's history," Mr Capriles told the crowd, many banging
empty pots as a symbol of the food shortages.
Most of the people supporting opposition protests are reportedly disgruntled Venezuelans from the middle and upper classes.
The opposition leader also repeatedly asked the crowd to refrain from violent acts.
"Don't go out to protest at night. That's when the paramilitary groups take to the streets to promote violence," he said.
Since 12 February, at least 21 people have died in protests, Venezuela's ombudswoman, Gabriela Ramirez, confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters in Caracas, Mrs Ramirez said that members of the security forces were suspects in four cases, 10 allegedly died at street barricades and another five in violent episodes near roadblocks.
The opposition says tens of students have suffered torture since the start of the protests.
The current wave of protests was initially started by disgruntled students in the western states of Tachira and Merida, but quickly spread to other areas.
President Maduro has repeatedly invited all parties to take part in a "dialogue for peace".
But during Saturday's rally, leaders demanded the release of detained students and the suspension of the "repression of the people" before any participation.
Mr Capriles spoke to thousands of women, students and opposition supporters at the "March of the Empty Pot", that coincided with the International Women's Day.
For a month, demonstrators have been complaining about the high levels of violence and shortages of food staples like bread, sugar, milk and butter.
Demonstrators used empty pots to make noise and as a symbol for the shortage of food
Protesters are demanding the end of chronic staple product shortages in Venezuela
Most of the people supporting opposition protests are reportedly disgruntled Venezuelans from the middle and upper classes.
The opposition leader also repeatedly asked the crowd to refrain from violent acts.
"Don't go out to protest at night. That's when the paramilitary groups take to the streets to promote violence," he said.
Since 12 February, at least 21 people have died in protests, Venezuela's ombudswoman, Gabriela Ramirez, confirmed on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters in Caracas, Mrs Ramirez said that members of the security forces were suspects in four cases, 10 allegedly died at street barricades and another five in violent episodes near roadblocks.
The opposition says tens of students have suffered torture since the start of the protests.
The current wave of protests was initially started by disgruntled students in the western states of Tachira and Merida, but quickly spread to other areas.
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