Venezuela’s Parliament attacked by Maduro supporters

Eight lawmakers were gravely wounded, and are currently being held as hostages

Led by the Venezuelan Vice-President, Tareck El Aissami and the Ministry of Defence, Gen. Vladimir Padrino López, dozens of government supporters tried to assault the opposition-led Venezuelan Parliament, injuring several lawmakers and journalists.

As the Parliament was about to begin a solemn session commemorating the anniversary of the country’s Independence Day, the mob attacked the deputies with sticks and shot fireworks against the capitol building.

Several local news websites reported several deputies were attacked, and published pictures showing opposition lawmakers with blood running down their faces. Eight lawmakers were gravely wounded and are currently being held as hostages within the Capitol building, alongside workers and other personnel.

The Venezuelan opposition won the majority of Parliament seats in the last elections held in the country, back in December 2015.