Venezuela announces terrorism charges against Guaido ally Freddy Guevara after highway arrest

[Eugene]

Source: Reuters

Venezuela announces terrorism charges against Guaido ally after highway arrest

Sarah Kinosian and Vivian Sequera
Mon, July 12, 2021, 1:58 PM

CARACAS (Reuters) -Venezuelan prosecutors on Monday said they had charged opposition politician Freddy Guevara with terrorism and treason, among other allegations, after the country's intelligence service arrested him from his car on a Caracas highway.

Guevara is a close ally of opposition leader Juan Guaido, who is recognized as the South American country's legitimate president by the United States and others. Guaido said unidentified armed men threatened him with arrest earlier on Monday as he left his apartment in an effort to assist Guevara.

In a statement, the chief prosecutor's office said it had sought an arrest warrant for Guevara due to his alleged "ties with extremist groups and paramilitaries associated with the Colombian government."

The incidents took place as the government and opposition prepare for negotiations aimed at resolving the South American country's deep political crisis. The U.S.-backed opposition labels President Nicolas Maduro a dictator, alleging he rigged his 2018 re-election and uses the justice system to stifle dissent.

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Read more: https://news.yahoo.com/venezuelan-security-forces-attempt-detain-175818974.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. 10 Colombian 'paramilitaries' killed in clashes: Maduro

Issued on: 13/07/2021 - 05:08
Modified: 13/07/2021 - 05:06

3 min
Caracas (AFP)

Ten Colombian "paramilitaries" died during violent clashes between armed groups and security forces that have ravaged Caracas, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Monday.

Firefights first broke out Wednesday evening, forcing people to flee their homes.

The socialist leader said at least 20 "Colombian paramilitaries" helped train armed groups that have carried out constant shootings, leaving an unknown number of civilians killed by "stray bullets."

"At least 20 Colombian paramilitaries, we captured three with their weapons, it seems that others were killed who are being identified," Maduro said in front of the presidential Miraflores Palace.

"I don't know if the number they gave me is exact, 10 killed, and there are others fleeing and we are looking for them."

Venezuela's armed forces have engaged in clashes with Colombian armed groups along the border since March 21, displacing thousands of civilians who fled to Colombia.

More:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210713-10-colombian-paramilitaries-killed-in-clashes-maduro