venezuela

by Michele Delera - On September 10, Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was sentenced to thirteen years and nine months in prison. Arrested on grounds of inciting violence during the wave of protests that engulfed Caracas and other major cities less than a year ago, Mr Lopez is but another casualty of the executive’s often criticized interference in judicial matters. However, with President Maduro’s approval ratings lower than ever and street protests still ongoing, the sentence might be interpreted as a sign of the government’s weakness – a last-ditch attempt at intimidating the opposition ahead of December’s parliamentary elections.