'The atmosphere is very authoritarian': Venezuela's opposition reels from the sidelines

"During the opening session of Venezuela's National Assembly this week, opposition lawmaker Tomas Guanipa stood up to demand freedom for the country's more than 800 political prisoners, one of whom is his brother. His protest lasted just a few seconds until he was shouted down by pro-regime legislators. Indeed, Venezuela's political opposition remains largely muzzled and shut out of power."

"Although authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro was seized by U.S. forces in Caracas over the weekend, his authoritarian regime remains in place. Maduro's former vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, is now interim president. Pro-regime figures continue to run the security forces, government ministries, statehouses and most city halls around the country. The government has decreed a 90-day state of emergency that empowers security forces to capture "any person involved in the promotion or support" of the U.S. military operation."

"Just as under Maduro, there is almost no room for dissent in Venezuela. Speaking to NPR by phone from Caracas, Guanipa said: "The atmosphere is very authoritarian." The sudden turn of events has left the country's opposition activists most of whom are in hiding or in exile frustrated and confused about what to do next. Opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado has been effectively sidelined by President Trump, who has chosen to work for now with interim President Rodriguez."

During a National Assembly session, opposition lawmaker Tomas Guanipa demanded freedom for more than 800 political prisoners, including his brother, and was shouted down by pro-regime legislators. The political opposition remains largely muzzled and shut out of power. Nicolas Maduro was seized by U.S. forces in Caracas over the weekend, yet his authoritarian regime remains in place with Delcy Rodriguez as interim president. Pro-regime figures continue to run security forces, ministries, statehouses and most city halls. A 90-day state of emergency empowers security forces to capture "any person involved in the promotion or support" of the U.S. military operation. Opposition activists are mostly in hiding or exile and face confusion about next steps.

Read at www.npr.org