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MercoPress, en Español

Montevideo, April 20th 2024 - 03:32 UTC

Tag: Leopoldo López

  • Friday, November 27th 2015 - 08:21 UTC

    Maduro blames killing of opposition leader to score-settling among gangs

    The event was also attended by Lilian Tintori, the wife of a jailed opposition leader and a high-profile critic of Maduro.

    Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday the fatal shooting of an opposition leader appeared to be a gangland score-settling dismissing claim it was politically motivated ahead of elections. An attacker shot Luis Manuel Diaz dead on Wednesday evening in the central Guarico region at a campaign rally for the December 6 legislative elections, party officials said, ratcheting up fears that violence could erupt in the lead-up to the polls.

  • Tuesday, September 29th 2015 - 10:32 UTC

    “Even in jail I will fight for a free Venezuela”

    “I am convinced of the justice of our cause: the liberation of a people from the painful consequences of a system of government that has failed completely”

    By Leopoldo López - Prisión de Ramo Verde, Venezuela. On Feb. 12, 2014, the repressive and inept elite that governs Venezuela ordered my arrest on charges of conspiracy, arson, inciting violence, damage to public property and other crimes.

  • Saturday, September 12th 2015 - 11:44 UTC

    World shock reaction to Lopez sentencing; supporters call for peaceful protests

    Lopez's wife Lilian Tintori gave an impassioned speech before dozens of supporters calling for people to take to the streets nationwide

    Supporters rallied around the wife of Venezuela's opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez on Friday, calling for peaceful protests as he was sentenced to nearly 14 years in jail for his role in deadly anti-government demonstrations last year. The European Union joined in denouncing a “harsh” verdict, while Washington said it was “deeply troubled” by the treatment of the US-trained economist.

  • Friday, September 11th 2015 - 06:03 UTC

    Venezuelan opposition leader sentenced to 13 years in prison; Unasur statement expected Friday

    Lopez's arrest and imprisonment has been condemned by Amnesty International and the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

    Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was convicted inciting violence and sentenced to 13 years in prison on Thursday for his leading role in the 2014 street protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro that spiralled into bloodshed, killing more than 40 people. A statement from Unasur (Union of South American Nations) is expected on Friday.

  • Tuesday, June 23rd 2015 - 05:44 UTC

    Venezuela's legislative election announced for 6 December, a Chavista remembrance date

    “The National Electoral Council does not act under pressure” said Tibisay Lucena during a televised speech, chiding hard-line opposition critics

    Venezuela's parliamentary election will be held on December 6, authorities announced on Monday, ending lengthy speculation over the date for a vote that surveys showed was likely to punish the ruling socialists.

  • Saturday, June 20th 2015 - 08:38 UTC

    Venezuelan lawmakers blast Brazilian senators' trip as 'abusive and meddling'

    These political groups are intent “not only to come and threaten but also to torpedo good relations between Venezuela and Brazil” said Tania Diaz

    Venezuela's ruling Socialist Party legislators reacted to a trip by Brazilian senators to visit jailed opponents of President Nicolas Maduro by describing it as “abusive” and “meddling”. The Brazilian delegation's visit on Thursday was cut short after their minibus was stoned by Maduro supporters and roads were blocked, forcing them to return to the airport and fly back the same day.

  • Friday, June 19th 2015 - 23:36 UTC

    Venezuelan pickets stone and threaten visiting Brazilian senators

    Former presidential candidate Aecio Neves described the situation as an aggression saying the vehicle came “under siege” from “protesters”.

    Brazilian senators seeking on Thursday to visit jailed opposition leaders in Venezuela said their minibus was stoned and blocked, forcing them to return to the airport. The group of opposition senators had planned to drive from the coastal airport of Maiquetía to the capital Caracas and then on to a military jail where hard-line opposition leader Leopoldo López has been for more than a year.

  • Monday, June 8th 2015 - 08:05 UTC

    Maduro cancels trip to Rome and meeting with the Pope because of a 'flu spell'

    “Due to being hit by flu and otitis, doctors have forbidden me to get on a plane and make the journey,” Maduro said in a broadcast on state television

    Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced he had canceled a planned trip to Rome and Vatican during which he was due to meet Pope Francis, because he is sick with flu. Analysts believe the 'diplomatic' flu spell could be linked to protests in Rome and the Vatican bringing up the issue of political prisoners, following on several letters sent to the Holy See.

  • Monday, June 8th 2015 - 08:00 UTC

    Felipe Gonzalez in Venezuela to help lawyers defending political prisoners

    Felipe Gonzalez flew from Colombia to Venezuela on Sunday and was greeted by members of the two men's families.

    Former Spanish prime minister Felipe González has arrived in Venezuela, where he intends to help lawyers defending imprisoned opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez and Caracas mayor Antonio Ledezma, who is under house arrest.

  • Monday, May 25th 2015 - 07:25 UTC

    Jailed Venezuelan opposition leaders declare themselves on hunger strike

    In a video from the prison Lopez said he and former mayor Daniel Ceballos, were going on hunger strike “with one concrete petition: freedom of political prisoners”.

    Jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez has declared himself on hunger strike and called for a protest march next weekend against Venezuela's populist government. Lopez, the best-known opposition activist in custody, was jailed more than a year ago for his role in instigating street protests against President Nicolas Maduro that led to violence killing 43 people and injuring hundreds more.