More than 1,200 people have been arrested this week in protests against the result of the presidential election held in Venezuela on Sunday, said Nicolás Maduro on Wednesday, who was declared the winner of the election by the National Electoral Council (CNE) on Monday, without all the votes having been counted.
«These are criminals, we have more than 1,200 criminals captured“Maduro told dozens of members of the Bolivarian National Guard (GNB) in a sector of Caracas, according to a video he posted on his social networks.
He also reiterated that these people were “trained ahead of time” in Peru and Chile, and also in “Texas” and “Colombia”, with the objective of going to Venezuela to “attack, to burn, (…) that is terrorism,” he said.
Earlier, at a press conference, Maduro said that “almost 80%” of Venezuelans who returned “on (repatriation) flights from the United States are involved in the criminal attack,” alluding to the protests, which have spread to various regions of the country, especially after the opposition claimed that its candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, won the presidential election by a wide margin.
The number of arrests given by Maduro exceeds the 1,062 indicated hours before this Wednesday by the prosecutor Tarek William Saab, who also indicated that, during the protests, 77 members of the State security forces were injured, 29 more than those recorded on Tuesday, when he also reported the death of a sergeant in the Aragua region.
Peru has already commented on Maduro’s recent statements, calling it regrettable that he accuses the Andean country of having “training centers” for anti-government protesters who were allegedly “captured in the destruction” of the protests.
These protests began on Monday, when the CNE declared Maduro the winner by just over 704,114 votes over González Urrutia, with more than two million votes still to be counted, which could change the final results.
The opposition majority claims to have more than 80% of the votes, which – it insists – give González Urrutia the victory by a wide margin.
The Carter Center, which participated as an observer in the elections, stated on Tuesday that the process “did not conform” to the international parameters and standards of electoral integrity, and therefore “cannot be considered a democratic election.”
#arrested #protests #presidential #election #results
2024-09-15 12:49:47
– What triggered the recent protests in Venezuela after the presidential election?
Table of Contents
Venezuela on Fire: Over 1,200 Arrested in Post-Election Protests as Maduro Cracks Down
The streets of Venezuela have been ablaze with protests and violence following the disputed presidential election results, with President Nicolás Maduro declaring himself the winner despite allegations of electoral fraud. The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced Maduro’s victory on Monday, sparking widespread outrage and demonstrations across the country.
According to Maduro, over 1,200 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, which he has labelled as “criminal” and “terrorist” activities. In a video posted on his social media accounts, Maduro addressed members of the Bolivarian National Guard, stating, “These are criminals, we have more than 1,200 criminals captured.”
Maduro has also made unsubstantiated claims that the protesters were “trained ahead of time” in countries such as Peru, Chile, Texas, and Colombia, with the objective of attacking and causing chaos in Venezuela. The Venezuelan President has been quick to point fingers, accusing foreign powers of meddling in the country’s internal affairs.
Meanwhile, Opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia has cried foul, claiming that his party won the election by a significant margin. The protests, which began on Monday, have spread to various regions of the country, with reports of violence, arson, and clashes between security forces and demonstrators.
The Venezuelan authorities have responded with force, resulting in multiple injuries and at least one reported death. Prosecutor Tarek William Saab reported that 77 members of the State security forces were injured during the protests, with 29 more injuries reported on Wednesday. The number of arrests has also risen, with Maduro’s figure of over 1,200 exceeding the 1,062 reported by Saab earlier on Wednesday.
The situation has sparked an international backlash, with Peru issuing a statement condemning Maduro’s allegations that the Andean country was hosting “training centers” for anti-government protesters. Peru’s Foreign Ministry described the claims as “regrettable” and “unfounded”.
The international community has been watching the unfolding crisis with growing concern, with many countries and organizations calling for calm and restraint. The United States, in particular, has been vocal in its criticism of Maduro’s government, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken stating that the US “does not recognize the results of the election”.
As the situation in Venezuela continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the country is at a crossroads, with the future of its democracy hanging in the balance. Will Maduro’s government be able to quell the uprising and maintain its grip on power, or will the opposition be able to capitalize on the momentum of the protests and bring about real change?
Only time will tell, but for now, the world watches with bated breath as Venezuela teeters on the edge of chaos.
Keywords: Venezuela, presidential election, protests, Nicolás Maduro, Edmundo González Urrutia, National Electoral Council, Bolivarian National Guard, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Texas, United States, Antony Blinken, democracy.
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H2: The Background of the Crisis
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H5: A Country at a Crossroads
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Venezuela on Fire: Over 1,200 Arrested in Post-Election Protests as Maduro Cracks Down
The streets of Venezuela have been ablaze with protests and violence following the disputed presidential election results, with President Nicolás Maduro declaring himself the winner despite allegations of electoral fraud. The National Electoral Council (CNE) announced Maduro’s victory on Monday, sparking widespread outrage and demonstrations across the country.
The Election Controversy
The CNE declared Maduro the winner by just over 704,114 votes over opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia, with more than two million votes still to be counted. The opposition majority claims to have more than 80% of the votes, which they insist give González Urrutia the victory by a wide margin. However, Maduro and his supporters have rejected these claims, sparking widespread protests and clashes with security forces.
Protests and Arrests
According to Maduro, over 1,200 people have been arrested in connection with the protests, which he has labelled as “criminal” and “terrorist” activities. In a video posted on his social media accounts, Maduro addressed members of the Bolivarian National Guard, stating that those arrested were “trained ahead of time” in Peru and Chile, as well as in “Texas” and “Colombia”, with the objective of going to Venezuela to “attack, to burn, (…) that is terrorism.”
International Reaction
The Carter Center, which participated as an observer in the elections, has stated that the process “did not conform” to international parameters and standards of electoral integrity, and therefore “cannot be considered a democratic election.” Peru has also commented on Maduro’s recent statements, calling it regrettable that he accuses the Andean country of having “training centers” for anti-government protesters.
Opposition Claims
The opposition has claimed that the election results are fraudulent and have called for peaceful protests to demand a recount of the votes. They also accuse the Maduro government of cracking down on dissent and suppressing opposition voices.
Government Response
Maduro has responded to the protests by accusing the opposition of trying to destabilize the country and sparking violence. He has also implied that the protests are being funded by foreign powers, including the United States.
Humanitarian Crisis
The ongoing protests and violence have added to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which is already struggling with food and medicine shortages, as well as hyperinflation. The crisis has led to widespread poverty and suffering among the Venezuelan people, with many forced to flee the country in search of a better life.
Conclusion
The situation in Venezuela remains volatile and uncertain, with protests and clashes continuing to erupt across the country. The international community is watching closely, urging restraint and dialogue between the government and opposition. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the people of Venezuela deserve a peaceful and democratic resolution to this crisis.
Key Words: Arrests, Protests, Presidential Election, Results, Venezuela, Maduro, Opposition, Election Controversy, Humanitarian Crisis.
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