Venezuela opposition leader hit with a pipe in the face
CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The leader of Venezuela’s congressional opposition bloc was hit in the face and bloodied Tuesday as he attempted to make his way into a government building.
Photographs circulating online showed government supporters attacking Congressman Julio Borges with a pipe. He spoke at a press conference after the attack with blood streaming down from his nose and mouth, and bloody stains on his button-down shirt.
Borges had been attempting to enter the headquarters of the country’s electoral body in downtown Caracas with other opposition figures. The area was heavily militarized, with lines of police looking on.
Borges accused police of pushing him toward gangs loyal to President Nicolas Maduro.
“Government supporters beat us with total impunity with pipes, stones, and explosives that went off in the middle of a group of lawmakers,” Borges said. “Maduro, what we want is to vote.”
The opposition is pushing for a recall referendum against Maduro this year. They accuse elections officials of dragging their feet to delay the process. Borges said the officials refused to meet Thursday.
