Jailed Venezuelan activist awaits judge’s ruling

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — A Venezuelan court is holding a hearing to determine whether opposition hard-liner Leopoldo Lopez will be freed or must wait in jail while facing charges of inciting violence and arson during anti-government protests.

The closed-door proceedings at the Caracas courthouse are to resume Tuesday, after a 10-hour session Monday.

Lopez is a former mayor who spearheaded protests in February seeking to pressure President Nicolas Maduro into resigning. Three people died on the streets after tens of thousands of peaceful demonstrators returned home, and authorities filed charges against Lopez.

Three months of political unrest triggered by the initial demonstrations have claimed the lives of 42 people on both sides.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Federal News Network Logo
Log in to your WTOP account for notifications and alerts customized for you.

Sign up