Attack on Venezuelan Opposition Leaders

The United States is deeply disturbed by reports that National Assembly Majority Leader Julio Borges and other opposition deputies were turned away from the National Electoral Council by police, and then subsequently attacked by a group of armed by supporters of the Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela party while returning to their offices.

The United States condemns acts of violence designed to intimidate citizens exercising their democratic rights. We call on Venezuelan government security forces to maintain order in a manner consistent with international law and international commitments regarding human and civil rights.