Spain to grant citizenship to Venezuelan opposition leader
Leopoldo Lopez, a Venezuelan opposition figure living in exile, is set to receive Spanish citizenship. The decision comes after the Venezuelan government attempted to strip him of his nationality. Spain’s foreign minister, Jose Manuel Albares, confirmed the request and said it would be submitted to the cabinet soon. Lopez has faced legal and political challenges in Venezuela, including imprisonment and exile.
What we know
- Leopoldo Lopez requested Spanish citizenship due to difficulties obtaining required documents.
- Spain’s foreign minister said the request would be submitted to the cabinet for approval.
- The Venezuelan government previously asked the Supreme Court to revoke Lopez’s citizenship over alleged support for a US military invasion.
- Lopez participated in a failed military uprising in 2019 and fled to Madrid in 2020 after seeking refuge at the Spanish ambassador’s residence.
- He was sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison in 2015 for allegedly inciting deadly anti-government protests.
