Venezuela Detains Opposition Leader On Election Boycott Claim
BloombergMAY 12
Venezuela Arrests Opposition Leader Guanipa on Terror Charges
Above: Juan Pablo Guanipa speaks with the press during a protest due to power, water, and communication services faults on Oct. 24, 2019, in Caracas, Venezuela. Image copyright: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The sham democracy in Venezuela has persisted for too long, and as President Maduro ratchets up political persecution it is finally time for the world to take a stand. Not satisfied with stealing an election, the regime has now concocted a dubious terror plot that implicates an opposition figure. The backsliding in Venezuela's democracy seemingly has no end, and the free world cannot turn a blind eye.
Establishment-critical narrative
In spite of what the West might tell you, Maduro has secured vast support among the working class and is considered the legitimate leader of the country, carrying out the mission of Hugo Chavez. What’s more, the far-right opposition that collaborates with Washington has been known to use violence, meaning that terrorism was not beyond the pale. The distortions about Venezuela from the media are still rampant.