Venezuela's opposition calls for nationwide protests on August 17

Maria Corina Machado, a prominent leader of Venezuela's opposition, has called upon her fellow citizens to take to the streets on August 17. The aim of these protests is to demand recognition of the victory claimed by opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia in the recent presidential elections.

According to Report, which cites Venezuelan media outlets, Machado declared, "This Saturday, August 17, we will take to the streets of Venezuela and the world. Together, we will proclaim that the world must support our victory and acknowledge the truth."

Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia himself has urged the current president, Nicolas Maduro, to "cease the violence and persecution." He confidently stated, "We have won, Venezuela has won. (...) See you on August 17."

The announcement comes amidst growing unrest in Venezuela following the contentious election results. The National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner with 51.2% of the votes, while the opposition claims Urrutia secured a landslide victory with 73%.

Government sources report over 2,000 protesters have been detained so far. Human rights organizations paint state that at least 24 people have lost their lives during the protests.