Venezuela Opposition Calls for Worldwide Protests

Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has called for worldwide protests on August 17 to challenge President Nicolas Maduro's declared victory in the disputed July 28 election. The opposition claims its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, received 67% of the vote, contrary to the 52% awarded to Maduro by the National Electoral Council (CNE). Machado, who was barred from running, and Gonzalez Urrutia have both gone into hiding due to threats from Maduro. Amidst post-election violence and arrests, Gonzalez Urrutia has urged Maduro to end the persecution and release detained protesters. Machado has proposed negotiations with Maduro for a democratic transition but insists on the recognition of Gonzalez Urrutia's victory. However, Maduro has refused any negotiations, demanding Machado answer for her alleged crimes in contesting the election results.