Posted July 14, 2017 12:50:16

A rogue Venezuelan police pilot wanted for lobbing grenades and shooting at government buildings has appeared briefly at an opposition vigil, in a surreal twist to the crisis-worn country's political drama.

Oscar Perez, who is also an action film star who portrays himself as a James Bond-Rambo figure on social media, surprised opposition supporters by popping up at a Caracas event marking the deaths of about 100 people related to anti-government unrest that started in April.

Two weeks ago, Mr Perez hijacked a police helicopter flying over Caracas, firing shots and lobbing grenades at the Interior Ministry and the Supreme Court, to fight what he said was a tyrannical government.

Mr Perez's stunt shocked many in Venezuela, although some suggest it was a false flag operation by the government to distract from the crisis.

"We don't want any more blood on the streets," he said at the vigil.

Mr Perez, flanked by young men clad in balaclavas and surrounded by cameras, said the opposition must continue protesting.

Photo: Venezuelan police squad pilot Oscar Perez has been accused of stealing the helicopter to launch the attack. (Instagram: oscarperezgv)

His Instagram feed shows him riding horseback in combat gear, scuba-diving with rifles and pistols and jumping out of a helicopter with a dog.

Venezuela is undergoing a major crisis as hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in recent months calling for an end to President Nicolas Maduro's government, amid food shortages, a collapsing currency and soaring inflation.

The opposition will hold an unofficial referendum this weekend to let Venezuelans have their say on Mr Maduro's plan to rewrite the constitution.

Reuters

Topics: world-politics, venezuela