Venezuela unrest

These are the headlines we are tracking for you in this episode of On the News Line:

Venezuela's crisis

Venezuela which is an oil-rich but recession-racked country has been witnessing an upsurge in anti-government demonstrations since April. As protests gained momentum in May, President Nicolas Maduro announced the creation of a constituent assembly. A legislative super-body, which would have the power to rewrite the constitution and dissolve state institutions. While Maduro says the election of the 545-seat body will bring peace to the country, the opposition accuses him of power grab. The opposition boycotted the vote calling for street protests ahead of the election held on Sunday. However, the opposition’s call for anti-Maduro rallies drew patchy participation in the run-up to the vote.

Saudi Shia killings

The Saudi suppression of Shia Muslims in the kingdom’s east claimed more lives this past week. Saudi forces killed at least 5 Shias in the town of Awamiya in the Eastern Province.  Witnesses have been quoted as saying that the killings took place after the Saudi security sent a column of armored vehicles into Awamiya. Residents have also reported the sounds of extensive shooting and explosions. An unknown number of people are also believed to have been wounded in what appears to have been a heavy crackdown on the residents of the Shia-dominated town.

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