Venezuela opposition urges global protest over poll result

SUMMARY

Venezuela's opposition is calling for global protests on August 17th, challenging the recent presidential election results that declared Nicolás Maduro the winner. The opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo González, won, and has released data they say proves it. Despite support from the U.S. and EU, Maduro's government dismisses these claims as fake and accuses the opposition of attempting a coup. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has urged Venezuelans worldwide to protest, demanding international recognition of their victory. The situation has led to mass protests and over 2,000 detentions, including key opposition figures. Venezuela's Supreme Court, which is seen as pro-Maduro, is auditing the election results, but many fear the process is biased.