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Trump calls for the immediate liberation of Venezuela's Leopoldo López

Thursday, February 16th 2017 - 11:54 UTC
Full article 9 comments
Ms Tintori next to president Trump, vice-president Pence and Senator Rubio at the White House Ms Tintori next to president Trump, vice-president Pence and Senator Rubio at the White House

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday called on Venezuela to free jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez “immediately,” posting a picture of himself and Vice President Mike Pence with Lopez's wife at the White House.

 ”Venezuela should allow Leopoldo Lopez, a political prisoner & husband of @liliantintor (just met w/ @marcorubio) out of prison immediately,“ Trump tweeted, along with the photo, which also features Florida Senator Marco Rubio.

Lopez, the founder of Popular Will, one of the most hardline of the parties opposing Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, is serving a 14-year prison term on charges of inciting unrest at anti-government protests that left 43 people dead in 2014.

The meeting with Tintori was sure to enrage Maduro, who is already fuming over sanctions slapped on his powerful Vice President Tareck El Aissami, whom US authorities accuse of being involved in drug trafficking.

The drug allegations against El Aissami had already raised tensions between Washington and Caracas, which had so far been cautious in its stance towards Trump's new administration.

Maduro on Tuesday demanded the United States apologize for the sanctions and vowed to respond ”forcefully.“

Shortly before Trump sent the tweet about Lopez, Maduro had warned the US leader that he would respond with a firm hand to any action by Washington he deemed to be aggressive.

”If they attack us, we will not be silent. Venezuela will respond firmly. Those who tangle with us will get an appropriate response,“ Maduro said on state television.

Maduro added that he did not want any ”problem with Mr. Trump.”

Top Comments

Disclaimer & comment rules
  • DemonTree

    Hey, Trump finally managed to say something I agree with! Too bad the effect on Maduro is more likely to be negative than positive.

    Feb 16th, 2017 - 09:39 pm +1
  • :o))

    - Trump calls for
    - Trump condemns
    - Trump shows concern
    - Trump notes
    - Trump bla, bla, bla
    THAT's ALL, [and of course, “NO” action]!

    Feb 17th, 2017 - 11:03 am +1
  • ElaineB

    Trump sonds more and more like CFK every day. They have the same temper and relationship with the press too. His anti-press conference yesterday would make him a complete joke if he didn't have the nuclear codes.

    Feb 17th, 2017 - 11:15 am +1
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