Spain refuses to hand over opposition figure to Venezuela

Spain has said it will not allow Venezuelan authorities to enter its embassy in Caracas and arrest a leading opposition figure, Leopoldo Lopez.

On Tuesday, Mr Lopez sought refuge after appearing with opposition leader Juan Guiado to call for a rebellion to oust president Nicolas Maduro.

In a statement, the Spanish foreign ministry said under no circumstance would it force Mr Lopez to leave the embassy building.

Lopez had been under house arrest but said he was released by security agents backing the opposition on Tuesday.

A Venezuelan court has issued an arrest warrant for Mr Lopez for violating the house arrest.