Venezuelan opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez appeared for a second time in court on Monday in Caracas. Lopez is currently a prisoner at the military prison in Ramo Verde where he has been held for more than 100 days. He is being held on charges of tax conspiracy, arson and property damage, during the street protests in Caracas on February 12. Lopez' wife Lilian Tintori revealed on Twitter that Lopez was transferred from the Ramo Verde military prison to the courthouse at 4:30 am (0900 GMT).
Protests in Venezuela broke out on February 12 in Caracas and soon turned violent. The protest marched to the Attorney General's office to request the release of political detainees in various Venezuelan prisons. The march culminated in violent disturbances and, almost two months later, Lopez was accused by the prosecution of "public incitement, property damage, arson and conspiracy, " charges for which he could serve up to 10 years in prison.
The first preliminary hearing convened on May 8 and though Lopez was presented, the trial was suspended. "We hope that the charges filed Monday by the prosecution are not accepted in the absence of any criminal activity from Leopoldo López," said defense attorney Juan Carlos Gutierrez, who said the defense is seeking the release of opposition leader said. "He (Lopez) has only exercised his right to express his ideas as a political leader, which involves making reviews, calling for the protest, and requesting changes in the country's politics" he said .
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