V
CARACAS, June 7 (APP/AFP): The head of the
Venezuela military is warning his troops not to commit “atrocities” against protesters demonstrating in the country’s deadly political crisis.
Tuesday’s warning by General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, who is also
President Nicolas Maduro’s defense minister, came after more than two months of violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
The opposition and a press rights group say security forces have run
over, attacked and robbed protesters and journalists.
Videos published on social media on Monday appeared to show security
forces robbing people of their belongings.
“I do not want to see any more guards committing atrocities in the
street,” Padrino said in a public address.
“Whoever departs from state policy, which gives preeminence to
respect for human rights, and who acts unprofessionally, will have to answer for it.”
Prosecutors say 65 people have been killed in the unrest since April
1.
Maduro’s opponents are protesting to demand early elections to remove
him from power.