Maduro Threatens to Crack Down Hard on the Opposition

Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro says he is "willing to do whatever it takes" to crush the opposition after growing criticism of how the presidential election was conducted.

» Updated:

» Published:

Maduro Threatens to Crack Down Hard on the Opposition
Photo: Jacinto Oliveros/AP/TT

Share this article

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Venezuela in recent days to protest against Maduro's clinging to power after the election on July 28.

The regime-loyal electoral authority declared Maduro the winner, but the result is being questioned both within the country and by leaders around the world.

The Opposition Claims Election Victory

The anger against Maduro, who has been president since the death of his predecessor Hugo Chávez in 2013, has led to large-scale riots in the country. More than 2,000 demonstrators have been arrested, and according to human rights organizations, 22 people have been killed, reports The Guardian.

The opposition – led by María Machado – claims to have won the election with a large majority. Over the weekend, Machado appeared in the capital Caracas, carrying a flag with the text "Venezuela has won".

Maduro calls the opposition's move "a coup attempt" and has ordered the country's military to crack down.

You can be sure that we will pursue all criminals and fascists, as fascism will not take power in Venezuela. I am willing to do whatever it takes, and I count on you to ensure that order, law, and constitution prevail, he said to the forces.

"Seriously Concerned"

The statement has sparked widespread criticism. The EU says that the union is "seriously concerned" about the harassment of the opposition.

"The European Union urges the Venezuelan authorities to stop arbitrary arrests, repression, and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners," says EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell in a statement.

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Stands Firm Against External Influence

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Stands Firm Against External Influence

Denmark Makes Historic Air Defense Purchase Amid Rising Tensions

Denmark Makes Historic Air Defense Purchase Amid Rising Tensions

Tusk Refutes Trump's Claim on Russian Drone Incident in Poland

Tusk Refutes Trump's Claim on Russian Drone Incident in Poland

EU Nations Clash Over 2040 Climate Goals Amid Car Ban Debate

EU Nations Clash Over 2040 Climate Goals Amid Car Ban Debate

Charlie Kirk Nominated for EU's Sakharov Prize for Human Rights

Charlie Kirk Nominated for EU's Sakharov Prize for Human Rights

US Senators Accuse America of Complicity in Gaza Ethnic Cleansing

US Senators Accuse America of Complicity in Gaza Ethnic Cleansing

UN to Vote on Gaza Two-State Solution Excluding Hamas

UN to Vote on Gaza Two-State Solution Excluding Hamas

Russia and Belarus Begin Joint Military Exercise

Russia and Belarus Begin Joint Military Exercise

Rubio to Meet Qatar's Leader After Israel's Attack

Rubio to Meet Qatar's Leader After Israel's Attack

Death Toll Rises Amid Nepal Protests as Thousands of Inmates Escape

Death Toll Rises Amid Nepal Protests as Thousands of Inmates Escape

Surveillance Video Released in Search for Charlie Kirk's Killer

Surveillance Video Released in Search for Charlie Kirk's Killer

Europe Struggles to Unite on Gaza Policy Amid Trump Concerns

Europe Struggles to Unite on Gaza Policy Amid Trump Concerns

Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners as US Eases Sanctions

Belarus Frees 52 Political Prisoners as US Eases Sanctions

Iran Confirms Enriched Nuclear Material Remains After Israeli Attacks

Iran Confirms Enriched Nuclear Material Remains After Israeli Attacks

Brazil's Former President Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Attempt

Brazil's Former President Bolsonaro Sentenced to 27 Years for Coup Attempt

UN Security Council Condemns Attack on Qatar, Urges De-escalation

UN Security Council Condemns Attack on Qatar, Urges De-escalation

Brazil's Ex-President Bolsonaro Guilty of Coup Attempt

Brazil's Ex-President Bolsonaro Guilty of Coup Attempt

Recent Politically Motivated Attacks That Shook the US

Recent Politically Motivated Attacks That Shook the US

Russia Cautions Poland on Belarus Border Closure Consequences

Russia Cautions Poland on Belarus Border Closure Consequences

Netanyahu Declares No Palestinian State in West Bank Speech

Netanyahu Declares No Palestinian State in West Bank Speech