Venezuela's Defense Minister Stands Firm with President Maduro Amid Election Dispute

Venezuela’s Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino reaffirmed loyalty to President Nicolas Maduro amid disputed election results. Opponent Edmundo Gonzalez and leader Maria Corina Machado urged military defiance, leading to criminal probes. Protests ensue following Maduro's contested presidential victory, with opposition claiming fraud and demanding Maduro step down.

Venezuela's Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino on Tuesday reiterated the military's unwavering loyalty to President Nicolas Maduro, amidst an ongoing controversy regarding the country's disputed presidential election outcomes.

The Defense Minister's statement followed a call from opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez and leader Maria Corina Machado, who in a public letter, urged military members to align themselves with the public's interests. This appeal prompted Attorney General Tarek Saab to launch a criminal investigation against Gonzalez and Machado, accusing them of inciting lawlessness among military and police personnel.

"Fear will not immobilize us; we will persevere and remain present on the streets," Machado declared in an audio message disseminated via X on Tuesday. President Maduro's claim of securing a third term victory on the July 28 election has sparked widespread protests and allegations of fraudulent activities. Opposition figures assert that Gonzalez was the rightful election victor and that Maduro should step aside.

(With inputs from agencies.)