Venezuelan opposition leader María’s security chief Corina Machado, was arrested on Wednesday morning (17), his movement Vente Venezuela reported on X.
The arrest comes less than two weeks before the July 28 presidential contest, in which polls show opposition coalition candidate Edmundo González significantly ahead of President Nicolás Maduro, who is seeking a third term.
Machado was barred by a court from running in the presidential election over alleged violations, which she denies, forcing her coalition to support González, a former diplomat.
Vente Venezuela said authorities took Machado’s security chief, Milciades Ávila, from the house where he was staying.
Venezuela’s Communications Ministry and the Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
The Venezuelan opposition has repeatedly denounced arrests and other actions by authorities that allegedly aim to harm its electoral campaign and prevent a fair election.
The United States and other countries have dismissed the 2018 re-election of Maduro, a socialist, as a sham. Washington has called on Maduro’s government to ensure this month’s elections are “competitive and inclusive.”
Foro Penal, a non-governmental organization, said on Monday that 102 people had been detained since the start of the election campaign on July 4.
Six of Machado’s former campaign staffers are currently hiding in the Argentine embassy, where they are seeking political asylum.
Source: CNN Brasil
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