U.S. Denounces Jail Term for Venezuela Opposition Chief

The United States expressed deep concern and urged Venezuela to respect human and democratic rights Friday after opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez was sentenced to almost 14 years in jail.

Lopez, 44, was found guilty of "damage and arson, public incitement and conspiracy" during anti-government protests last year, but his supporters question the independence of Venezuelan courts.

US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson tweeted that she was "deeply troubled by the conviction" and called on Venezuela to protect democracy and human rights.

Venezuelan opposition activists were planning new protests against President Nicolas Maduro's government on Friday after 44-year-old Lopez's lawyer revealed the result of the closed door trial.

The United States is a frequent critic of Venezuela's leftist administration and on Wednesday Secretary of State John Kerry called his Venezuelan counterpart Delcy Rodriguez to express his concerns.  

"The secretary reiterated our concern with the imprisonment of individuals under political pretenses, including Leopoldo Lopez, as well as the nature of Mr Lopez's trial," State Department spokesman John Kirby said Thursday.