BTN News: The Public Ministry (MP) of Venezuela has begun investigating a supposed “fake attack” involving opposition leader María Corina Machado. This announcement came shortly after Machado claimed an attack on her and her team.
On Saturday, Attorney General Tarek William Saab posted on social media that a detained person, said to be linked to Machado, admitted the incident was staged. Saab accused Machado of spreading false information without any proof, saying her vehicles were attacked.
In reply, Machado, who leads the main opposition group, the Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), shared a video online. The video showed her cars with white paint on them. She said one car had its brake hose cut, and the other had its engine oil drained. This video supported her claims of damage.
Saab stated that the detained person is giving details in the state of Lara. He is telling about the timing, method, and money involved in the fake attack. Saab said this could be a crime involving making up a punishable act, spreading fear, and money laundering.
Machado, who was staying in Barquisimeto, the capital of Lara, after returning from an event in the nearby Portuguesa region, called the incident an “attack.” She blamed President Nicolás Maduro, who is running for re-election on July 28, for any harm to her or her team.
On Thursday, the PUD asked for a full investigation by the Public Ministry into what they called a serious and criminal act. They said this event deserved national and international condemnation. The PUD stressed that fear and repression should not be used in elections by the ruling party.
Edmundo González Urrutia, the PUD’s presidential candidate, condemned the incident as cowardly. He said it was meant to disrupt the election process. He called on the National Electoral Council (CNE) to act against such events to ensure fair elections.
This situation shows the intense political climate in Venezuela as the election approaches. The accusations from both sides highlight the deep divisions and high stakes in the country’s politics.
