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Donald Trump issues call on Twitter for Venezuela to release jailed opposition leader

In this Feb. 26, 2013 file photo, Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez speaks during a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela. AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos

President Donald Trump has called on Venezuela to let jailed opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez “out of prison immediately.”

The president tweeted the message along with a photo of himself, Vice-President Mike Pence, Sen. Marco Rubio and Lilian Tintori, Lopez’s wife, in the Oval Office Wednesday evening.

The President and first lady Melania Trump are hosting Rubio and his wife for dinner at the White House.

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READ MORE: Venezuela vice president blacklisted by Trump administration for drug trafficking

Trump’s call for Lopez’s release follows the administration’s decision to slap sanctions on Venezuela’s vice-president for his alleged role as a major international drug trafficker.

Lopez is serving a 14-year sentence for allegedly inciting violence against the government during a wave of anti-government unrest.

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