Protesters rally behind arrested leader in Venezuela; unrest spreads abroad
- 10 years ago
Outside a heavily guarded Justice Ministry in Caracas... hundreds of opposition supporters rally in the streets.
They're awaiting news of Leopoldo Lopez, the opposition leader who faces charges of fomenting unrest in the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOPEZ'S LAWYER, JUAN CARLOS GUTIERREZ, SAYING:
"We don't want a jail trial without a hearing in a court. The fundamental idea of Mr. Lopez is to not just demonstrate his democratic right, but that there be due process, a trial with all the guarantees."
So far the unrest has killed five people.
As the army stands guard, Lopez supporters say he did nothing wrong.
(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) LEOPOLDO LOPEZ SUPPORTER, CARLOS BAEZ. SAYING:
"We are here because, first of all, we've come to defend Leopoldo Lopez. Why Leopoldo Lopez? Because this has been condescending to all Venezuelans. He has committed no crime. His only crime is protesting for to better Venezuela. How can it be here that an opposition le
They're awaiting news of Leopoldo Lopez, the opposition leader who faces charges of fomenting unrest in the country.
(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) LOPEZ'S LAWYER, JUAN CARLOS GUTIERREZ, SAYING:
"We don't want a jail trial without a hearing in a court. The fundamental idea of Mr. Lopez is to not just demonstrate his democratic right, but that there be due process, a trial with all the guarantees."
So far the unrest has killed five people.
As the army stands guard, Lopez supporters say he did nothing wrong.
(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) LEOPOLDO LOPEZ SUPPORTER, CARLOS BAEZ. SAYING:
"We are here because, first of all, we've come to defend Leopoldo Lopez. Why Leopoldo Lopez? Because this has been condescending to all Venezuelans. He has committed no crime. His only crime is protesting for to better Venezuela. How can it be here that an opposition le