Venezuela opposition denounces 'anti-democratic regime' after leader's prison sentence

The conviction and harsh sentencing of one of Venezuela’s top anti-government leaders has brought widespread criticism domestically and abroad for what has been condemned as a politically motivated ruling, while opposition parties plot how to channel the indignation into electoral victory. International human rights groups, the United States, United Nations and the European Union decried the lack of judicial independence in the trial of Leopoldo López, found guilty on Thursday of inciting violence in 2014 protests and sentenced to nearly 14 years in prison after an 18-month trial. The US government said it was “deeply troubled” by the conviction on what it considers “illegitimate” charges. More…