Chavez supporters protest at ruling

The president still has a hard core of loyal support

Adam Easton BBC correspondent in Caracas

More than 100,000 supporters of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have marched through the capital, Caracas, to protest a court ruling clearing four military officers accused of taking part in a failed coup in April.

Chavez's opponents have launched legal actions against him

The Supreme Court ruled 10 days ago there was insufficient evidence to try the two generals and admirals for military rebellion.

Mr Chavez's opponents say the ruling backs up their claims that no coup took place and have accused him of using the march to try to intimidate the court.

They are now hoping to remove Mr Chavez constitutionally.

'Unacceptable'

Many of the marchers wore yellow stickers saying "yes there was a coup". Others waved placards calling the country's highest tribunal "the Supreme Court of Injustice".

Chavez supporters accuse the judges of being corrupt and drunkards

They say the 11 judges who voted to acquit the officers were bought off by Mr Chavez's opponents, who deny a coup took place.

At the end of the march the Venezuelan leader spoke to the crowd of his loyal supporters and said the court's decision was unacceptable.

The president has launched an investigation against the judges, accusing some of them of being corrupt and drunkards.

Opposition leaders said it was absurd for a head of state to take part in a demonstration against the judiciary and say Mr Chavez is trying to intimidate the court.

Hard core support

The court's decision could have serious implications for the Venezuelan leader.

His opponents have begun a string of legal actions accusing him of misusing public funds and bearing responsibility for the deaths of 17 people during an opposition march which triggered April's coup attempt.

There is now real hope among the opposition that constitutional attempts to remove Mr Chavez will be successful.

However, Saturday's march was a clear demonstration that the Venezuelan leader still has a hard core of loyal support.

Any attempt to remove their hero will almost certainly be met with stiff opposition.