Venezuelans continue to gather in central Caracas for a second day of protests following the disputed result of the country’s presidential election. Thousands of people have taken to the streets to show their opposition to President Nicolas Maduro’s claim of victory, with many vowing to continue protesting until a new government is established.
The protests have been met with resistance from the security forces, who have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at some demonstrators. Local officials report that around 750 people have been arrested, while two leading NGOs in the country have confirmed several deaths and dozens of injuries.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has called for peaceful demonstrations, urging protesters to avoid falling into the government’s provocations. Many protesters believe that the election was fraudulent, with one individual stating that they witnessed evidence of electoral fraud while working at a polling station.
The situation in Venezuela remains tense, with supporters of President Maduro also taking to the streets to show their backing for him. The opposition coalition backing Edmundo González, who claims to have won the election, continues to demand the publication of detailed voting tallies to prove the legitimacy of their candidate’s victory.
The United Nations’ human rights chief has expressed deep concern over the escalating tension and violence in Venezuela, calling on the authorities to respect the rights of all Venezuelans to assemble and protest peacefully. The country remains divided, with both sides adamant in their beliefs and unwilling to back down.
