Venezuelan Opposition Figure Arrested

Challenge to election results fails

Venezuelan authorities ordered the arrest of a close aide to opposition leader Henrique Capriles and military agents searched the man's apartment, the opposition said, calling it proof of a new wave of political repression.

The highest court, meanwhile, rejected Capriles's challenge to the results of the 14 April presidential election in which he narrowly lost to ruling party candidate Nicolás Maduro. The court also fined Capriles US$1,700 for what it called a "disrespectful" filing and told the attorney general that the opposition leader should be prosecuted for his petition.

The 12-party MUD opposition coalition did not elaborate on the government's stated reason for issuing the arrest warrant for Oscar Lopez, the chief of staff to Capriles in the Miranda state governor's office.