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Maduro slams Spain for pressing Venezuela to free prisoners

Xinhua, April 15, 2015 Adjust font size:

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said Tuesday he will evaluate a series of diplomatic and political measures to "fight off a recent decision issued by the Spanish parliament, which urged Caracas to release alleged opposition political prisoners.

In his weekly TV program, Maduro criticized the decision that calls upon Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy to "take all necessary actions and initiatives" to free opposition leader, Leopoldo Lopez, Caracas mayor,Antonio Ledezma, and other political figures.

"I am prepared to defend our nation and battle with Madrid if it continues to interfere in our country's domestic affairs," said Maduro.

He said he has ordered Foreign Minister Delcy Rodriguez to assess this "aggression" by the Spanish government and prepare adequate diplomatic responses to this "offense."

"There is a constant attack on Venezuela from Madrid that only seeks to spread fear and hate towards our socialist government," he said.

Maduro said the Spanish parliament should worry about their country's own issues like unemployment and corruption.

"Rajoy and all his government has once again committed a big mistake against Venezuela. Go and have an opinion about your mother but do not interfere in our socialist revolution," Maduro said.

Just like his predecessor, the late President Hugo Chavez, Maduro has said that in Venezuela there are not any political prisoners jailed for their ideas, and their crimes are against the nation.

Maduro has clashed in recent months with the Spanish government after continued statements from Rajoy and his government officials to free alleged political prisoners. Endi