The G7 group of nations condemned the inauguration of Nicolas Maduro (pictured) as the president of Venezuela. He began his first term following accusations that the election was rigged in his favor. "We reject Maduro’s continued and repressive grasp at power at the expense of the Venezuelan people, who voted for change peacefully and in large numbers," G7 foreign ministers said in a statement.
The G7 added it is "deeply troubled by the arbitrary arrests and other abuses of civilians" during pro-democracy protests in Venezuela and denounced the persecution of opposition leaders, including Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, who was forced to leave the country, and Maria Corina Machado.
