Hugo Chavez coffin arrives at Caracas museum

 

 

Hugo Chavez's coffin was carried from the military academy

The body of Hugo Chavez has been moved to its final resting place in a museum in Venezuela's capital, Caracas.

Thousands of people lined the streets to catch a glimpse of the hearse as it carried his coffin from the military academy where it laid in state for 10 days.
Many of his supporters were wearing red, the colour of Mr Chavez's political movement.
Mr Chavez, who led Venezuela for 14 years, died of cancer last week.
His coffin was received by a military guard of honour.
Religious and political ceremonies were held at the military museum, attended by Mr Chavez's chosen successor Nicolas Maduro.

 

 

 Acting President Nicolas Maduro was Hugo Chavez's chosen successor

On Wednesday, he said it was unlikely that the body would be embalmed for permanent viewing as originally suggested by the government.
The BBC's Abraham Zamorano in Caracas says it is not yet clear what will happen to Mr Chavez's body in the longer term.

Earlier in the day, political and military authorities joined Mr Chavez's relatives for a ceremony at the military academy where his remains lay in state for 10 days.
"Thanks, comandante, for giving us back our fatherland," said one of Mr Chavez's daughters, Maria Gabriela, in an emotional eulogy.
"You have left us unexpectedly and have left an enormous vacuum in Venezuela," said one of Mr Chavez's former teachers at the military academy, Major General Jacinto Perez Arcay.
Tens of thousands of Venezuelans have visited the coffin of their former leader.
Shortly after his death was announced on 5 March, the government declared seven days of mourning, which was later extended to 10 days.