Police in Venezuela have used teargas to disperse demonstrators protesting a new education law that strengthens President Hugo Chavez's control of schools and universities. Thousands of protesters marched through the capital, Caracas after enforcement of the law. Some carried signs describing it as a Cuban law. Supporters of the law demonstrated in another part of the city. Critics say the law could lead to the ideological indoctrination of students. Its supporters have been quoted as saying the law requires teaching to be open to all forms of thinking. Twelve journalists protesting the law were beaten earlier this month. News reports said the attackers were Chavez supporters. The new law, passed last week, allows community councils that are often pro-government a larger role in the operations of schools and universities. It also calls for the education system to be guided by the Bolivarian doctrine. Simon Bolivar freed several countries from the Spanish empire in the early 19th century. Socialist Chavez describes his own government as a Bolivarian revolution and critics say the law will lead to ideological education inspired by communist Cuba. The government says the law will ensure fairer access to education in the OPEC nation and guarantee free thinking. Earlier in 2009 reforms regarding schools also resulted in failed rebellion against Chavez. On the other hand the thousands of the government supporters danced on Salsa tunes in a rally taken out in favor of the government.
