Venezuelan authorities arrested Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma on Thursday in connection to what President Nicholas Maduro called a U.S.-backed coup plot to overthrow his government. Venezuelan intelligence agents stormed the opposition leader’s office and arrested him, according to witnesses, sparking a public outcry. During a live broadcast, Maduro said Ledezma was arrested “on the orders of state prosecutors” and “will be processed by the Venezuelan justice system for crimes committed against the peace of the country.” Ledezma’s wife and staff said the mayor’s whereabouts were unknown and they were not aware of what he was charged with. The U.S. State Department issued a statement denying any attempts to oust Maduro. “The United States is not promoting unrest in Venezuela nor are we attempting to undermine Venezuela’s economy or its government,” the statement said.
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