CARACAS – Dozens of Venezuelans took to the streets in Caracas on Sunday calling for the release of prisoners detained in protests against the disputed reelection of President Nicolas Maduro.
Most of the detainees were arrested in protests that followed Maduro’s July election for a third consecutive six-year term, with his victory declared by state authorities seen as loyal to him. The opposition claimed the vote was fraudulent.
Fearing arrest, Machado has been in hiding since the election, while opposition presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia has fled to Spain.
“Internationally, they have to take action,” a woman at Sunday’s protest told AFP. Her face was hidden by a mask marked by red lipstick, a symbol that represents the blood of the 28 people killed in the post-election unrest.
Similar demonstrations were held in other cities around the world, including Washington, Madrid and Buenos Aires.
The United States last week sanctioned 21 top Venezuelan security and cabinet officials, accusing them of involvement in a campaign of repression after Maduro’s reelection.
Washington and the G7 had earlier recognized opposition candidate Urrutia as the rightful winner of July’s vote, in a move that angered Caracas. – AFP
