The president of Venezuela, Nicolas Madurocongratulated this Sunday the “exemplary conduct” of the National Guard -military body in charge of public order-, when it faces opposition protests against its re-election in the elections of July 28 that leave at least 11 civilians dead.

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“I want to congratulate this professional, humane and powerful National Guard (…), because You have been and are the backbone of peace, the protection of the people, tranquility, security“Maduro said at an event for the 87th anniversary of that body, with the presence of the high command of the Armed Forces.

“We are facing a coup d’état in the streets of Venezuela (…), an imperialist coup d’état, an imperialist ambush“, continued the socialist ruler.

Maduro was ratified on Friday by the electoral authority, accused by his opponents of serving Chavismoas re-elected president with 52% of the votes, compared to 43% for the opposition candidate Edmundo González Urrutia.

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The opposition, however, denounces fraud.

Protests against Maduro’s proclamation for a third term have left at least 11 civilians dead since Mondays, according to human rights organizations, and more than 2,000 detainees.

At the event this Sunday, in which he authorized promotions and gave decorations,The president expressed his condolences to the families of two members of the National Guard who died in violent incidents during the protests.

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They were “killed in the ambushes of criminals, trained hired criminals and trained for this coup,” he said.

“Fascism in Venezuela will not seize power. I am ready for anything“, warned Maduro, who on Saturday said that “Police-military” patrols will continue throughout the country to “protect the people”.