Protests Erupt in Support of Opposition Leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia After Controversial Election
In response to the July 28 presidential election in Venezuela, where opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia reportedly won, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on 16 officials linked to President Nicolas Maduro for hindering a fair electoral process and suppressing free expression.
The sanctioned individuals include high-ranking members of the National Electoral Council and the Supreme Tribunal of Justice, as well as military and government officials who were complicit in obstructing transparency and perpetuating repression through intimidation and censorship.
Opposition leaders claim Gonzalez Urrutia emerged as the clear victor in the election, while Maduro’s regime declared him the winner without releasing detailed voting results. Gonzalez Urrutia, now in asylum in Spain, faces persecution in Venezuela for his political stance.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken condemned Maduro’s administration for undermining democracy and urged respect for the will of the Venezuelan people. The ongoing protests in support of Gonzalez Urrutia highlight the deep divide and political turmoil within the country.
Source: AFP / FRANCE24