Backers of jailed Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez took to the streets of Caracas on Wednesday on the first anniversary of his arrest and subsequent jailing, but the mood of last year’s mass protests against the government of President Nicolas Maduro was markedly different.
Venezuelan police fired tear gas Thursday to break up students demonstrating against President Nicolas Maduro's government, on the anniversary of protests that eventually left 43 people dead last year.
The Venezuelan government has turned down a request by former presidents of Chile and Colombia to visit opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez in jail. Chile's Sebastian Piñera and Colombia's Andres Pastrana say they are in Venezuela to support the opposition and have called for the release of Mr Lopez, who was arrested nearly a year ago.
Human rights traded for other means of survival as shortages hit average people, says the 43-year-old Harvard graduate from his prison cell in a letter to the Wall Street Journal .
The United States will now be able to impose punitive measures on Venezuelan government officials involved in a crackdown on protesters against the Maduro administration, or on those who have carried out acts of violence or violated the human rights of political opponents.
Venezuela has indicted hard-line opposition leader María Corina Machado on charges of sedition claiming she took part in an alleged plot to kill president Nicolas Maduro, the state prosecutor's office confirmed.
Venezuela recalled its ambassador to Spain to protest interventionist declarations made by Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, the Venezuelan News Agency (AVN) said on Tuesday.
The trial against Venezuelan hard-line opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, who is accused of inciting violence at anti-government protests has began in Caracas. Lopez could face up to 13 years in jail if convicted.
The Caracas Court of Appeals rejected on Friday the defense attorney's plea for the release of opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez, locked up in a military prison since last Feb. 18, Venezuela's Supreme Court said Friday.
By Leopoldo López - Los Teques, Venezuela — As I compose these words from the Ramo Verde military prison outside Caracas, I am struck by how much Venezuelans have suffered.