Now, to the growing crisis in Venezuela. Thousands are taking to the streets to protest the widely disputed reelection of President Nicolas Maduro. The US and several other countries now recognize the opposition leader as the winner and are calling for negotiations to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. Here's ABC's Patrick Revil tonight: Thousands are taking to the streets in Venezuela to protest an election widely seen as stolen. Opposition leader Maria Karina Machado emerged from hiding to lead a peaceful demonstration in Caracas, defying a crackdown by the authoritarian regime of Nicolas Maduro.
After six days of brutal repression, they thought they were going to silence us," she told the crowd. Since Maduro declared victory in last Sunday's vote, his security services have moved to violently crush protests, arresting nearly a thousand, with at least 20 people killed according to Human Rights Watch. Families are waiting desperately outside detention centers for news.
The United States on Thursday recognized Maduro's opponent, Edmundo Gonzalez, as the election winner, calling for a peaceful transition. The opposition has published voting tallies they say show Gonzalez's overwhelming victory. Maduro is still yet to release detailed results. Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico are also urging Maduro to release detailed voting tallies. However, Maduro is making it clear that he will not leave power regardless.
Q: What is the growing crisis in Venezuela about?
A: The growing crisis in Venezuela is centered around the widely disputed reelection of President Nicolas Maduro. Many are taking to the streets to protest the election results.
Q: How is the international community responding to the situation in Venezuela?
A: The US and several other countries now recognize the opposition leader as the winner of the election and are calling for negotiations to ensure a peaceful transfer of power. The United States has recognized Maduro's opponent as the election winner.
Q: What is the response to the protests in Venezuela?
A: The response to the protests in Venezuela has been brutal repression by Maduro's security services. There have been arrests and casualties, with families awaiting news outside detention centers.
