In response to Nicolas Maduro’s comments assuring there would be a “bloodbath” in Venezuela if he doesn’t win the elections on July 28th, the Florida Democratic Party released the following statement:

“Maduro will do anything to stay in power - including intimidating and terrorizing Venezuelans,” said Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried. “Threatening violence over losing an election is never acceptable.

“Maduro knows that his chances of winning the election are at risk and that is why he is choosing to employ these fear tactics. His regime has harassed and arrested members of the opposition and done everything possible to keep the more than seven million Venezuelans in exile - many of whom fled because of his corruption - from voting.

“Once again, the Florida Democratic Party unequivocally condemns the abuses of the Maduro dictatorship and demands free and fair elections in Venezuela. Venezuelans deserve nothing less.”