CARACAS, Venezuela.- The Government of Venezuela denounced this Thursday Colombia for the irregular deportation of its citizens residing in that country, accused by Bogota of being behind the social protest of last week.

In a statement circulated on Twitter by the Venezuelan Chancellor Jorge Arreaza, Caracas expressed its outrage and deep concern at what he considered a criminalization against its citizens.

Last Monday, 60 Venezuelans residing in Colombia were expelled for allegedly having participated in activities against public order and citizen security, during the demonstrations that began on November 21.

Venezuela warned that it will be alert to any degrading treatment or violation of the human rights of its citizens, and that it will denounce the criminal attitude of the Colombian government to international agencies.