Venezuelan opposition leader flees to Spanish Embassy in Caracas

RRELEASED Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo López has sought refuge in the Spanish embassy in Caracas after the confrontations between opposition activists and Maduro loyalists on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, the embassy confirmed López and his wife Lilian Tintori had requested and were granted entrance to residence of Ambassador Jesus Silva.

The Spanish government has also confirmed that the couple are at the embassy but have not requested political asylum.

López and his wife were 'liberated' by rebel army officers on Monday and had initially fled to the Chilean embassy in the Venezuelan capital. However, the ambassador later confirmed they had left for the Spanish embassy.

López was being retained at home by judicial order due to his opposition to Nicolás Maduro's regime.

In January, Juan Guaidó president of the parliament took leadership of the opposition.

López has Spanish ancestors and his father is on the PP lists for the forthcoming EU elections.

Due to the uncertain political situation in Venezuela, the Spanish government has requested caution when addressing this issue.

Pablo Iglesias, leader of the Unidas Podemos party that has repeatedly been linked to the Venezuelan regime, was adamant in condemning the opposition attack and regarded Juan Gauidó as a 'fake president' of Venezuela.

PP leader Pablo Casado has taken the opposite stance and has called for the government to guarantee the safety of Leopoldo López and his wife at the embassy.