Protests have erupted in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, following the controversial results of the recent presidential election.
Thousands have mobilized in the city center to express their dissent against President Nicolas Maduro’s declared victory.
Participants are demanding a change in government, with some asserting that this can only happen if the military sides with the opposition.
Despite these calls, security forces have maintained their loyalty to Maduro and have responded to demonstrators with tear gas and rubber bullets.
Reports indicate that over 750 individuals have been arrested, with various local NGOs stating that several protesters have been killed and many others injured.
On Tuesday, Venezuela’s defense minister labeled the demonstrations as an attempted coup, reiterating the military’s unwavering support for Maduro.
The attorney general, an ally of Maduro, confirmed the death of a soldier during the protests.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has urged for peaceful demonstrations, emphasizing the need to avoid government provocations that aim to incite conflict among Venezuelans.
She claimed, “Our candidate won 70% of the votes; united, we stand with those who once supported Maduro.”
One protester, fearing retaliation from authorities, claimed to have witnessed evidence of electoral fraud. “We are confident the election was stolen, as the government halted the vote tally in the middle of the night,” they stated.
The protester noted a shift in support, as former Chavez supporters are now distancing themselves from Maduro.
“These protests reflect a desire for change. Although we aim for peace, I fear violence may ensue,” they added.
The unrest intensified after the head of the National Electoral Council, a Maduro ally, announced his re-election for a third term, claiming Maduro received 51% of the votes against Edmundo González’s 44%.
However, the electoral authority has not released comprehensive voting tallies, leading the opposition to allege electoral fraud.
The Organization of American States (OAS) has accused the Venezuelan government of manipulating election results.
The opposition coalition asserted that, based on 73.2% of tallies reviewed, they confirm that González won decisively.
Despite the opposition’s claims, the CNE maintained its announcement of Maduro’s victory, stating that all votes were accounted for.
Attorney General Tarek Saab warned those arrested could face charges including terrorism, while the opposition party Voluntad Popular reported that among the detained was their national political coordinator.
They warned of escalating government repression against activists demanding the release of poll results.
Julio Derbis, a resident of one of Caracas’s slums, expressed determination to challenge Maduro’s hold on power. “We will continue to fight, utilizing street pressure to challenge the president,” he stated.
Another protester, Karina Pinto, described a different sentiment within the protests this time around. “We must take to the streets. Non-violence is our intention, but the government’s violence requires a response,” she said, urging security forces to join the protesters as fellow Venezuelans.
On the other side of the city, supporters of President Maduro rallied to demonstrate their backing.
One supporter, Nancy Ramones, stated, “I’m here to support my government, the one that won. Nicolás Maduro represents peace.”
She challenged opposition claims of fraud, asserting that they lack evidence and harbor a hidden agenda.
Another supporter reinforced their dedication, declaring, “Here, Maduro is the true winner; we stand united behind him. We strive for peace.”
Opposition parties had united behind González in a bid to replace Maduro, who has governed for 11 years amid significant discontent and crisis.
Nearly 7.8 million people have fled the turmoil under Maduro’s administration.
The UN’s human rights chief expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence and urged authorities to uphold the rights of individuals to assemble and protest peacefully.
