Maduro admits over 2,000 arrested in Venezuelan riots
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has confirmed that over 2,000 individuals have been arrested in response to the riots that erupted following his reelection announcement for the 2025-2031 term. This comes amidst allegations from opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia and his supporters claiming they had received around 67% of the vote.
Addressing his followers in Caracas, Maduro vowed for maximum punishment and justice for those involved in the disturbances. He blamed protesters for the burning of electoral centers and regional council headquarters, stating that all detainees had confessed to their actions.
Despite claims of a fair legal process, concerns have been raised by NGOs regarding access to legal counsel for the detainees. Maduro has also designated two prisons as high-security detention centers for dissidents, emphasizing a crackdown on what he refers to as acts of terrorism.
While over 40 countries have recognized Maduro’s victory, a number of nations, including the United States, have expressed support for González Urrutia as Venezuela’s rightful president.