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Venezuela formally accuses opposition leader; Charges could lead to years-long prison term

Associated Press
Published | Updated

CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuela's chief prosecutor has formally accused jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez of several crimes, including criminal incitement.

Prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz announced the charges Friday, a day before the legal deadline to make the case for keeping Lopez in custody. Lopez has spent the last month and a half in a military jail.

If found guilty, he could serve nearly 14 years in prison.

Critics of the socialist administration say the charismatic conservative leader is being kept on invented charges. Lopez's supporters are preparing to march through the Venezuelan capital of Caracas Friday to demand his freedom.

Lopez made a dramatic surrender to authorities on Feb. 18 while surrounded by thousands of supporters. Clashes during seven weeks of unrest have left at least 35 people dead.