Maduro blames Spain's ambassador for activist escape

President Nicolas Maduro of Venezuela lashed out at the Spanish government on Wednesday, accusing it of plotting the escape of opposition activist Leopoldo Lopez who'd been hiding in the Spanish ambassador's residence in Caracas.

Lopez fled to Madrid at the weekend.

Maduro said the Spanish ambassador, Jesus Silva, "hated" Venezuela.

He accused him of involvement in a failed maritime incursion earlier this year.

Silva is due to leave Venezuela and return home next week.

Maduro said he wished he would leave "tomorrow".

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