Mob attacks Venezuela’s opposition-held parliament in capital
A crowd of people believed to have been the supporters of the Venezuelan government have stormed the opposition-held Congress in the capital, Caracas, beating and injuring lawmakers in the latest escalation of violence in the Latin American country.
According to Press TV, hundreds of people wielding wooden sticks and metal bars burst into the premises of Venezuela’s National Assembly on Wednesday, leaving at least seven people seriously injured.
Breaking through the entrance gates, the mob also laid siege to the opposition lawmakers inside the Assembly and interrupted a special session hosting top government and military officials, who had gathered to celebrate the country’s Independence Day.
Police fired tear gas at the attackers on the assembly premises to disperse them and managed to end the siege after nine hours, allowing the lawmakers out.
Opposition lawmakers blamed the government of President Nicolas Maduro.
“We will not be intimidated by these acts of violence. No one here will surrender to this dictatorship,” said senior opposition lawmaker Freddy Guevara.
National Assembly President Julio Borges alleged that several hundred people had been kidnapped during the raid.
Venezuela has been the scene of intensified unrest for three months.
Speaking at a military parade in Caracas, Maduro condemned the Wednesday attack on the parliament.
“I absolutely condemn these deeds. I will never be complicit in any act of violence… I have ordered an investigation, and may justice be done,” he said.
Meanwhile, a rogue police pilot who engaged in limited armed attacks on government buildings in Caracas last week released a new video of himself earlier in the day, expressing readiness to take to the streets again.
“Once again, we are in Caracas, ready and willing to continue our struggle for the liberation of our country,” said Oscar Perez, the police pilot.
Sitting before a Venezuelan flag and an assault rifle by his side, the 36-year-old pilot gave no other details but pledged to join the youth protesting against Maduro on the streets of the capital.
ME
