Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro chased by protesters

CARACAS, Venezuela, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was chased by protesters banging on pots and yelling as the embattled leader visited Margarita Island Friday night, local news reported.

Maduro was at the center of a protest in Caracas on Thursday when more than 1 million people took to the streets to demand his departure from office.

Many Venezuelans blame Maduro for the nation's food shortage and economic crisis. Residents say there is no food and little money to buy the food that is available.

Maduro's opposition said the protest on Margarita Island is an indicator of the nation's dislike of the president who was preceded by the late Hugo Chavez -- a blow to Maduro who was once widely supported in that area of the country.

Foro Penal, a Venezuelan human rights group, said 20 people were arrested following the protest. Maduro did not comment.