RantCrush Top 5: July 6, 2017

Yesterday, pro-government activists stormed Venezuela’s National Assembly and attacked officials there, leaving many injured. The activists support Venezuela’s embattled president, Nicolas Maduro, while the legislative branch has largely opposed him. Armed with sticks and dressed in red, Maduro backers entered the building and started setting off fireworks in the gardens. Tensions are higher than ever in the country after widespread anti-government protests and so far 91 people have been killed in clashes with the police. During yesterday’s attack, lawmakers were in a special session for the country’s independence day. Vice President Tareck El Aissami then popped in unscheduled, along with the head of the armed forces, and called for protesters to appear at the government building to show their support of Maduro. That seems to be what prompted the rally outside that later turned violent. According to the assembly’s speaker, Julio Borges, 350 people were under siege for several hours, including reporters, students, and visitors. At least one attacker had a gun.

A lawmaker who was attacked, Armando Armas, says: “Nearly 100 young people have died; a whoop-ass on us is nothing.” https://t.co/JN5A6ED1lV

— Juan Forero (@WSJForero) July 6, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.