Venezuela launches criminal probe against opposition leaders amid protest crackdown
- Criminal probe comes as Venezuelan security forces target alleged perpetrators of violent crimes during post-election protests
Venezuela is launching a criminal probe against the opposition leaders contesting last month’s election for inciting police and military officials to break the law, the country’s top prosecutor said, as security forces targeted people they say committed violent crimes during recent election protests.
The announcement by attorney general Tarek Saab followed a letter posted on social network X by opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and leader Maria Corina Machado calling for security forces to “stand by the people” and respect the results of the election they say they won.
President Nicolas Maduro’s assertion that he won a third term in the July 28 vote has triggered angry protests from Venezuelans across the country over the last week, demanding that Maduro step down and a Gonzalez win be honoured.
Venezuelan security forces have begun targeting alleged perpetrators of violent crimes during the protests, in an operation informally called “knock-knock” that advocacy groups say has left protesters fearful.
Three advocacy groups told Reuters security forces are working intensely to capture protesters, including minors, who they said are not being provided with lawyers and who have in some cases been charged with terrorism.
