Venezuela opposition protests mark two months since disputed vote

In Venezuela, small groups of opposition protesters gathered to mark two months since the disputed election that President Nicolas Maduro claimed to have won. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, who has been in hiding after denouncing the election results as fraudulent, encouraged smaller protests to avoid violent crackdowns. During the protests, participants expressed their discontent with Maduro's regime, citing fear of repression and calling for his resignation. The opposition claims their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, won the election with 67 percent of the vote, while the pro-government National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner with 52 percent. The aftermath of the election has seen significant unrest, with dozens of opposition leaders arrested and over 2,400 individuals accused of terrorism for participating in protests, resulting in 27 deaths. Larger demonstrations also occurred internationally, with supporters rallying in cities like Mexico City and Madrid. Meanwhile, Maduro's supporters held their own marches in Caracas, asserting their victory. In response to the political crisis, around 30 countries, including the United States and Argentina, have urged Maduro to engage in dialogue with the opposition, calling for a democratic transition and the release of those detained during the protests.