Venezuela Roundup: Deadly clashes, power struggle, coup plotter arrested

Election protests turn deadly

At least 16 people, including one soldier, have died and about 750 have been arrested in Venezuela following protests over the contentious presidential election. President Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner, but the government has not released full results, and many countries, including the U.S., claim the vote was marred by irregularities, reports The New York Times.

Colombia calls for election transparency

Colombia's President Petro has urged Venezuela's Maduro to release detailed vote counts from the recent election. The lack of transparency has led to international criticism and doubts about the electoral process. The Carter Centre, authorised to observe the election, also expressed concerns and stated that the election did not meet international standards, adds AP.

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Hungary blocks EU's unified statement on Venezuela election

Hungary blocked the EU's attempt to release a unified statement on Venezuela's election, citing concerns about flaws and irregularities. The EU foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, ended up stating his own, as reported by Politico. The move highlights a flaw in EU foreign policy, as decisions must be unanimously agreed upon by all 27 member countries.

Observers invited by Venezuelan officials slam poll

The US-based Carter Centre, invited to monitor Venezuela's presidential poll, has condemned the election as undemocratic. The organisation cited a lack of transparency and bias in favour of President Nicolás Maduro. The disputed result has led to protests and violence, with the opposition leader urging peaceful resistance, according to the BBC. The government has labelled the protests as a coup and called for the arrest of opposition leaders. Costa Rica has offered political asylum to the opposition leaders.

Ex-US Green Beret arrested over raid to oust Maduro

A former US Green Beret, Jordan Goudreau, has been arrested over a failed 2020 raid to oust Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Goudreau, 48, and Yacsy Alvarez, 43, are charged with conspiracy and smuggling weapons to Colombia without a US export license. Two other ex-Green Berets were sentenced to 20 years in prison by a Venezuelan court for their role in the raid, reports the BBC.