Human rights in Venezuela

The U.N. decried on Aug. 8 "widespread and systematic use of excessive force" against demonstrators in Venezuela, saying security forces and pro-government groups were responsible for at least 73 protester deaths.

U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged Venezuela's authorities to make "all possible efforts" to ease tensions and prevent further violence after two opposition leaders were sent back to prison, as the European Union also reacted against the move.

Venezuela's best-known jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez celebrated a surprise return to his family after being granted house arrest on Saturday with a promise to fight on following three years' imprisonment for leading anti-government protests.  

Thousands of women dressed in white marched in Venezuela's capital on May 6 to keep pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose authority is being increasingly challenged by protests and deadly unrest.

Led by opposition leaders, lawmakers and Lilian Tintori - the wife of jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez - the crowd carried flowers and placards denouncing "repression."  

Venezuela's energized opposition is planning sit-ins on roads, silent marches in white to commemorate the dead and other nontraditional protests as it tries to build on the momentum of recent street demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's socialist government.

Venezuela's pro-government Supreme Court revoked its takeover of the opposition-led Congress on April 1 after it drew international condemnation and protests against socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

"This controversy is over," Maduro said just after midnight at a specially convened state security committee, Reuters reported. 

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has accused the United States of putting pressure on foreign governments to ensure their support in meddling in Venezuela's affairs.

Venezuela's Supreme Court on Feb. 16 upheld opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez's nearly 14-year prison sentence, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump called for his release.

Thousands donned white and took to the streets in cities across the country May 30 in the biggest show of frustration with Venezuela's socialist administration since a wave of bloody anti-government protests a year ago.