Venezuela’s President Maduro is accused of a power grab by the opposition and international community after the government-controlled supreme court endorsed his disputed claim to have won the presidential election. The opposition, led by Edmundo González, has produced evidence that he was the real winner of the election on 28 July. Countries like Brazil and Colombia have refused to recognize Maduro’s victory, despite his party declaring it “indisputable” and “definitive”. The court’s decision has been met with anger and criticism, with some calling it a judicial cover-up for electoral fraud.
Former Maduro officials and human rights activists have condemned the court’s ruling as a coup and are calling for an impartial evaluation of voting data by the international community. Maduro’s ministers and allies have celebrated the court’s decision on state television, claiming it marks a historic moment for Venezuela’s democracy. However, the move is likely to worsen the political crisis, with fears of potential violence or conflict.
Maduro’s administration has cracked down on dissenters since the election, leading to protests, casualties, and arrests. Human rights activists are documenting the roundup of government opponents, particularly targeting those from working-class areas. The government’s actions are sending a clear message to its critics that they are now seen as enemies. The situation remains tense as tensions continue to rise in the aftermath of the disputed election.
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