From the New York Times, I'm Michael Barbaro.

This is the day.

Today, as Venice Wavel descends further into crisis,

its most vocal and beloved opposition leader

sits under house arrest, unable to act,

and prohibited from speaking out.

What happens if he does?

It's Monday, March 12.

When Lealope is wakes up on a typical day,

it's very early.

It's 4.30, 5 o'clock in the morning, it's dark out.

He lives on a leafy street in the suburbs of Caracas,

and he gets out of bed and pads down to the front door,

like many people do, opens it, and without going too far outside,

grabs the newspaper.

And generally spends the morning in a sort of solitude,

but at about seven goes to wake his two kids, Manuela,

and Leopoldo Jr.

He always dresses them, gets their shoes on,

makes sure their backpacks are ready.

And then when it's time for them to head off to school,

he and his wife, Lillian, walk the kids to the door,

...