Venezuela launches criminal investigation into opposition figures.

Venezuela's electoral commission declared President Nicolas Maduro the winner of the recent presidential election, but the opposition claims they are the victors and has called for protests against the results.

Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado (right) and presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez at an event on July 29. Photo: AP

The Public Prosecutor's Office accused defendants González and Machado of "making false statements about the winner of the presidential election," adding that only the country's official National Electoral Council has the authority to make such a statement.

According to the agency, the two defendants will be investigated for "alleged crimes of usurpation of office, dissemination of false information causing instability, incitement to disobedience to the law, incitement to rebellion, criminal collusion, and criminal conspiracy."

The Venezuelan opposition and many other countries will only recognize President Maduro's victory in the July 28 vote once the full vote count is announced.

Ngoc Anh (according to CNN, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/venezuela-mo-cuoc-dieu-tra-hinh-su-doi-voi-cac-nhan-vat-doi-lap-post306524.html