Motorizado Rising: Riding with Miguel Pizarro’s campaign

During the 2014 protests against the government, chavista motorcycle gangs became a symbol of intimidation, repression and fear. Fast forward to the 2015 election campaign, and opposition legislator and current candidate Miguel Pizarro tours Petare’s slums escorted by a motorcycle gang of his own. The Mesa de Unidad’s (MUD) campaign headquarters for the Miranda 3 circuit is located in La California, in a small warehouse on a ground floor and no identifying features except for the Primero Justicia and MUD flags waving from the balcony above. As I approach, I’m amazed by the 20 motorbikes parked just outside the entrance, waiting for the day’s tour to begin. More…