Venezuelan Police Shut Opposition Quake Aid Drive After 1,400 Deaths
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 28
Venezuelan Police Shut Opposition Quake Aid Drive After 1,400 Deaths
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 28
Summary
Portuguesa police and Civil Protection officials tried to close an opposition-run donation center Thursday, telling organizers all earthquake aid had to go through the federal government.
Heidy Loicett of María Corina Machado’s Vente party said volunteers were collecting diapers, bottled water and clothing for homeless survivors when officers barred the drive, calling it political persecution.
The dispute follows last week’s two earthquakes, which killed more than 1,400 people and left many Venezuelans needing emergency relief.
The clash has widened fears that acting President Delcy Rodríguez will use control of disaster aid to bolster her legitimacy in a country already destabilized by Nicolás Maduro’s removal six months ago.