CARACAS: Venezuela’s military on Tuesday criticized the opposition’s call for military support during President Nicolás Maduro’s disputed re-election bid, saying it was “desperate and rebellious”.
They faced a swift criminal investigation by prosecutors, who were investigating them for announcing an election winner other than Maduro, inciting disobedience, rebellion and conspiracy.
The opposition insists that Gonzalez Urrutia was the rightful winner of the July 28 presidential election that plunged the oil-rich country into political crisis.
Several countries, including the United States and Argentina, recognized Gonzalez Urrutia as the winner, while others, such as the European Union, stopped short and demanded full disclosure of voting records.
The National Electoral Council said Monday it had submitted all those records to the Supreme Court for verification, as Maduro had requested — but not publicly.
The disputed election sparked protests last week that left at least 24 civilians dead and more than 2,000 arrested, according to rights groups on Tuesday.
Maduro on Monday called for a boycott of the messaging platform WhatsApp, claiming that military, police and community leaders who support his re-election have received threats through the app.
Machado – who has been banned from running in the election and has backed Gonzalez Urrutia – on Tuesday condemned the “campaign of terror” in the country.
European Union spokesman Peter Stano told the Venezuelan government on Tuesday that the campaign of intimidation against the opposition “must stop”.
“We call on the authorities to stop this campaign of opposition intimidation and judicial intimidation,” he said.
Venezuela army vows ‘absolute loyalty’ to Maduro after opposition appeal
