In pictures: Venezuela TV rallies

Supporters of Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) took to the streets to vent their anger at President Hugo Chavez's decision to close it.

Anger at the closure of the station - Venezuela's most-watched - led to some clashes with police, who turned water cannon on the crowds.

Mr Chavez says his decision was legal, but critics say it is a move to clamp down on the opposition.

RCTV's general manager Marcel Granier joined the last episode of programme The Interview. Staff vowed to stay overnight.

Protesters chanted "This is Venezuela, not Cuba!" and pledged to fight Mr Chavez's decision.

But Mr Chavez's supporters also took to the streets, and held parties celebrating RCTV's closure.

Mr Chavez and his supporters have never forgiven the station for backing a 2002 coup against him.

The station will be replaced by TVes, a new public service channel backed with $4m of government money.

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