Seven Killed in Venezuela Protests; European Union States Election Results Are Invalid

Amid public protests against the results of the presidential election in Venezuela, the EU's foreign policy chief states that the announced results will not be considered valid until the voting documents and figures are verified and published. Josep Borrell, who is visiting Vietnam, told reporters on Wednesday, August 1, 'We demand immediate access to the voting statistics from polling stations.' He added, 'As long as the statistics are not publicly released and verified, the announced result is not credible.' Nicolás Maduro, the President of Venezuela, claimed victory following elections held on Sunday. However, the main opposition candidate and his supporters have rejected the announced result. Following Maduro's victory announcement, protesters took to the streets. Borrell also called for an end to the repression of Maduro's opponents in a post on X, formerly Twitter, following the outbreak of protests against the election results. The EU's foreign policy chief emphasized that Venezuelan authorities must stop the 'arrests, repression, and violent rhetoric' against opposition members. At least 'seven people' have been killed in the protests, which continue against the presidential election results, according to government officials and human rights groups. Reports indicate that at least 750 people have been arrested during the protests against the presidential election. The Venezuelan Electoral Commission announced yesterday that Nicolás Maduro, the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, won the presidential election. The Venezuelan government has so far refrained from publishing the complete results of the presidential election, and several countries, including the United States, have deemed the election fraudulent. Opposition leaders and supporters of Nicolás Maduro have called on their supporters to take to the streets. The presence of supporters from both sides of the political divide has led to deadly clashes on Monday. The continuation of protests on Tuesday indicated that the crisis in Venezuela is far from over. Venezuelan electoral officials announced that Nicolás Maduro won with 51% of the votes for a third presidential term; this result would mean he remains in power until 2031. Opponents of the Venezuelan government claim that the figures announced by electoral officials regarding Maduro's victory are 'fraudulent' and that their candidate, Edmundo González Oruña, won decisively with about 73% of the votes. Marina Corina Machado, the opposition leader, called on her supporters to take to the streets on Tuesday to protest the election results. Meanwhile, hundreds gathered on Tuesday in front of the UN office in the capital to condemn the announced election results. Protesters against the election results also demonstrated in the cities of Valencia, Maracay, San Cristóbal, Maracaibo, and Barquisimeto. Protests against the election results began on Monday in Caracas and other cities in Venezuela. Foro Penal, a human rights organization, initially reported that at least six people were killed in protests across the country. Government officials also stated that a soldier was killed in the clashes. Nicolás Maduro, 61, has held power since 2013 and is accused of creating an atmosphere of repression, imprisoning many opponents and critics. Images from the protests show various cities in Venezuela erupting in opposition demonstrations after Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner of the presidential election again. On August 1 in Caracas, tear gas was used to disperse protesters, and demonstrators expressed their anger over Maduro's victory by banging pots and pans. Protesters believe that the electoral commission rigged the election in favor of Maduro and that over 70% of the votes were cast for the opposition candidate.