In Venezuela, fresh protests have broken out in the capital Caracas after the disputed result of the country’s presidential election. Thousands gathered in the city centre to show their opposition to President Nicolas Maduro’s claim of victory. Many said, they would not stop until there was a new government, and some said this would only be achieved if the security forces joined opposition protesters. 

However, the military and police have so far remained loyal to Mr Maduro and have fired tear gas and rubber bullets at some protesters. Local officials say, around 750 people have been arrested. Two leading NGOs in the country say several people have died and dozens have been injured. Yesterday, Venezuela’s Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino described the protests as a coup. Surrounded by armed troops, he read out a statement saying that President Nicolás Maduro had the absolute loyalty and unconditional support of the military.

 
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called for protests to be peaceful. She said that her party candidates won 70% of the votes. Protest erupted after the head of the National Electoral Council (CNE) – who is a member of Mr Maduro’s party and used to work as his legal adviser – declared the president re-elected for a third consecutive term.