Arrest Warrant Issued Against Venezuela Opposition Leader Leopoldo Lopez

Arrest Warrant Issued Against Venezuela Opposition Leader Leopoldo Lopez

As political tensions continue to increase, an arrest warrant was issued against a leader of the opposition in Venezuela, Leopoldo Lopez. Lopez had earlier revealed that he was planning to lead a march into Caracas.

The United States revealed it was concerned with the arrests of the leaders of the opposition even as three consular officials were expelled by President Nicolas Maduro. The names of the US officials were not revealed during the announcement made by the president of Venezuela on national TV.

US Secretary of State John Kerry also expressed concern on the increasing tension in the country, particularly with the detention of numerous anti-government protestors and the arrest warrant issued against Lopez.

Crime, shortage of staples and high inflation were among the main gripes of the opposition. However, corrupt businessmen and saboteurs were blamed for the shortages by the government.

Leopoldo Lopez was seen on Wednesday at the time when three men were killed after protests by the opposition in Caracas ended. An arrest warrant was issued against the opposition leader following the incidents, according to President Maduro. The president charged Lopez of instigating violence in a planned coup against the government. However, the opposition indicated that pro-government militias were responsible for the death of the three men.

The houses of the opposition leader and his parents were searched by police on Sunday morning. Lopez sent a message through Twitter along with a video after the search. He indicated that he did not commit any crime and dared authorities to arrest him during the next protest.

He also appealed to supporters to wear white to reiterate their commitment to peace. He invited everyone to join the march from the Venezuela Square to the Justice Ministry building on Tuesday. Leopoldo Lopez indicated that he will join the protest and is not afraid since he did not commit any crime.

Posted by James Fried on Wednesday February 19 2014, 4:10 AM EST. Ref: BBC. Link. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News, World. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0