Leopoldo López, the Venezuelan opposition leader detained for his role in last year’s national protests, was sentenced to 13 years in prison Thursday — a sentence that’s likely to exacerbate tensions in the troubled South American nation.
Judge Susana Barreiros found López guilty on all charges, including conspiracy, arson, damaging public property and inciting violence, according to reports from those present at the court.
Jesús Torrealba, the head of the MUD opposition coalition, said the harsh sentence seemed designed to push the country “toward violence.”
“This is not only an attack on liberty, justice, common sense and the separation of powers,” he said in a statement, “but it’s also a provocation of the Venezuelan people.”
He called on supporters to express their discontent “peacefully” and “democratically.”
López’s lawyers are likely to appeal .... http://www.miamiherald.com
Judge Susana Barreiros found López guilty on all charges, including conspiracy, arson, damaging public property and inciting violence, according to reports from those present at the court.
Jesús Torrealba, the head of the MUD opposition coalition, said the harsh sentence seemed designed to push the country “toward violence.”
“This is not only an attack on liberty, justice, common sense and the separation of powers,” he said in a statement, “but it’s also a provocation of the Venezuelan people.”
He called on supporters to express their discontent “peacefully” and “democratically.”
López’s lawyers are likely to appeal .... http://www.miamiherald.com
