FILE - In this Oct. 27, 2009 file photo, Caracas' Mayor Antonio Ledezma attends a meeting by the Commission of External Relationships in Brazil's Senate in Brasilia, Brazil. The jailed mayor of Venezuela’s capital may be released from prison to house arrest for health reasons. The Public Prosecutor’s office announced late Friday, April 24, 2015 that the change would allow Ledezma to undergo surgery and recuperate. Ledezma was arrested by the secret police during a raid on his office in February 2015, and is being held on charges of plotting a coup against the government, an allegation he denies. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File) (The Associated Press)
CARACAS, Venezuela – The jailed mayor of Venezuela's capital may be released from prison to house arrest for health reasons.
The public prosecutor's office announced Friday night that it is seeking the move so Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma can undergo surgery.
Ledezma is a leader in the opposition and has been jailed since February on charges of plotting a coup against the South American country's socialist government — an allegation he denies.
Ledezma is expected to be moved from a military prison on the outskirts of Caracas to a hospital, and then released to detention at his home. In its statement, the prosecutor's office called the motion a precautionary measure.
The nature of Ledezma's health troubles were not immediately clear.
Fox News' "Antisemitism Exposed" newsletter brings you stories on the rising anti-Jewish prejudice across the U.S. and the world.