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Venezuelan Top Prosecutor Seeks to Probe Guaido Over Sabotaging Electric System

The blackout has been ongoing in Venezuela for almost a week following an incident at a major hydroelectric power plant, Guri, which national electricity supplier Corpoelec called "sabotage". President Nicolas Maduro blamed the incident on Washington, citing US threats to apply all means against Venezuela.
Sputnik

Venezuelan Prosecutor General Tarek Saab has requested to open an investigation into self-proclaimed President Guaido over his alleged role in sabotaging the country's electric system. Earlier, Venezuelan authorities arrested Spanish-Venezuelan journalist reporter and activist Luis Carlos Diaz on suspicion of also being involved in sabotaging the country's electric system.

Electricity Grid Restored

The Venezuelan power grid has been almost completely restored following a massive blackout on 7 March, Venezuelan Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez announced on 12 March.

"At this point, the electricity supply had been restored almost completely throughout the whole national territory", Rodriguez said in a broadcast on state television.

Venezuela's Oil Output 'Severely' Decreased Amid Massive Blackout, Media Claims

The accident at the major Venezuelan hydroelectric power plant Guri on 7 March led to a massive blackout that left most of the country without electricity for days. President Nicolas Maduro holds the US responsible for carrying out "sabotage" at the plant. Maduro recalled that in the past Washington had said that "all options are on the table" in regards to changing the government in Venezuela.

Juan Guaido, leader of the Venezuelan opposition, earlier proclaimed himself the interim president of Venezuela, urging elected President Nicolas Maduro to resign. His claims were immediately supported by the US and most European states. However, Russia, China, Turkey, and a number of other countries condemned the move and expressed support for the legitimate president, Maduro.

READ MORE: US Not Planning Military Intervention in Venezuela, But Option on Table — Bolton

Maduro has repeatedly accused Washington of attempting to stage a coup in his country by using Guaido as "puppet" and attempting to deliver humanitarian aid as a pretext for military intervention.

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