Brawl Breaks Out at Venezuela National Assembly

Opposition told they can't speak until they recognize Maduro
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted May 1, 2013 2:21 AM CDT
Updated May 1, 2013 5:50 AM CDT

Rival lawmakers in Venezuela are blaming each other for a National Assembly slugfest that left seven opposition lawmakers injured. State TV cameras in the chamber were pointed toward the ceiling during the brawl, which erupted after opposition lawmakers were denied the right to speak until they recognize Nicolas Maduro's disputed presidential election victory, CNN reports.

"They can beat us, jail us, kill us, but we will not sell out our principles," bruised and bloodied opposition politician Julio Borges told reporters. Maduro, who won the election by 1.49%, according to the official count, said later that "we do not agree with violence," but nevertheless accused the opposition of provoking it. More trouble is expected today, when supporters of Maduro and defeated opposition candidate Henrique Capriles hold rival May Day rallies in Caracas. (More Venezuela stories.)

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