Venezuela arrests 32 over alleged plot to assassinate President Maduro

All suspects have “confessed and revealed information about the plans,” Attorney General Tarek William Saab told reporters in Caracas.

He said they had been accused of treason and “convicted” for their crimes.

Maduro loyalist Saab said arrest warrants have been issued for 11 other people, including rights activists, journalists and soldiers in exile, for the alleged plot that also targeted Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.

Padrino told the same press conference that an operation that started last year to uncover details of the alleged conspiracy was kept secret as it coincided with “talks” between Maduro and the United States that resulted in a prisoner swap.

He blamed the plot on the “far right,” as the Maduro government usually refers to the opposition, with “support” of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Read more: France 24