A Venezuelan opposition leader has been indicted for an alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Nicolas Maduro, the Los Angeles Times reported.
A Caracas judge indicted Maria Corina Machado and six other opposition leaders in what prosecutors called a plot to "disturb the peace of the nation." The former National Assembly member faces between eight and 16 years in prison if she is found guilty.
The exact evidence Venezuela has against Machado was not immediately clear, but the president has previously said authorities uncovered emails stating Machado's criminal intent since the investigation into her began in March, according to the LA Times.
Machado has also been booted from the National Assembly after its president accused her of treason for supporting students protesting issues such as rising crime and economic injustice.
The 47 year old has been an outspoken critic against Maduro, leading national movements against his government. But she denounced the indictment during a TV appearance Wednesday and said it's a sign of the government's "desperation" to quiet any form of disagreement with those in power.
"I have not committed any crime and there is no evidence against me," Machado said before her court appearance.
She also promised to "participate in and support all forms of protest and mobilization of our youths, workers, housewives, union members and all those who feel their rights have been violated."
Human rights advocates expressed pessimism over the likelihood the legal system will treat Machado fairly.
"It's very difficult to imagine that the case against Machado for alleged participation in a plan to assassinate the president can be anything but a farce," Jose Miguel Vivanco, Human Rights Watch Director for Latin America, told the LA Times.
