According to the story compiled by the Venezuelan government, President Nicolas Maduro and members of his government have been the targets of several conspiracies since last year that could cause them harm or lead them to even worse conditions.
Few details have been released regarding the alleged plot. However, the socialist government has cited the alleged “conspiracy” in its arrests of 30 people since January, including a prominent human rights lawyer and staff of a leading opposition presidential candidate.
Local and international non-governmental groups, the UN and a number of foreign governments have described the crackdown as a pretext to silence political opposition ahead of presidential elections on July 28. President Maduro, who has been in power since 2013, is running for another six-year term.
The latest arrests came on Wednesday (20/3) shortly before the country's attorney general announced arrest warrants for nine people, working for Maria Corina Machado's campaign team, who are accused of playing a role in the plot.
Oscar Murillo, general coordinator of Venezuelan human rights group Provea, said officials were coordinating actions by police, military and civil groups to stop anti-government activity.
“This situation has turned into greater political restraint and a deepening of a policy of persecution that seeks to divide civilians at a time when perhaps (the government) should be working to address the public policies needed to reduce poverty and inequality in Venezuela,” Murillo said.
Attorney General Tarek William Saab described the conspiracy as aiming to attack military installations, kill Maduro and other officials, and disrupt the stability of the country. He openly showed alleged confessions, planning documents, laptops and other items considered as evidence.
Saab on Wednesday accused nine opposition members, including campaign manager Machado, of being part of a “disruptive” plan that included demonstrations, a media campaign and a plan to attack military barracks. (ps/rs)