Protests have escalated against Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro's socialist government.

Five fatalities have been reported since violence broke out last week.

Now Maduro is threatening to expel CNN due to their coverage of the raging protests.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) VENEZUELAN PRESIDENT NICOLAS MADURO, SAYING:

"I asked the (Communications) Minister (Delsy Rodriguez) to notify CNN to start the administrative process of removing them from Venezuela if they don't rectify (their story). CNN, go from Venezuela and stop with your war propaganda. I don't accept war propaganda."

Venezuelan security forces and demonstrators continue to face off in streets blocked by burning barricades in several cities.

The mostly student protesters want Maduro to resign, and blame his government for the country's violent crime.