opening of an investigation against opponent Maria Corina Machado for “treason” and “conspiracy”

The leader of the Venezuelan opposition, Maria Corina Machado, will be the subject of an investigation for having expressed her support for an American bill targeting Venezuela, the prosecution announced on Friday, November 22, in a press release.

“The public prosecutor has decided to open an investigation” sur Maria Corina Machado “to charge him because of his support” alleged to be part of the bill passed by the United States House of Representatives sanctioning the government of President Nicolas Maduro. “The declarations” by M^me Machado on the bill « constituent (…) a betrayal to the homeland » et “a conspiracy with foreign countries”specifies the text.

American representatives adopted the “Bolivar” bill on Monday, which must still receive the approval of the Senate and the signature of the president to come into force. The text prohibits the United States from signing contracts with people doing business “with the illegitimate government of Nicolas Maduro” or any other “not recognized as legitimate by the United States”.

Caracas qualified this text as“criminal attack”believing that the law violated the United Nations charter, and adds to more than “93 unilateral and extraterritorial coercive measures” imposed on Caracas, which thus qualifies the American sanctions.

Maximum pressure during Donald Trump's first term

In a message published on the X platform, M^me Machado had expressed gratitude to members of the United States Congress for passing the bill, which she described as a “crucial step to hold the Maduro regime accountable”.

“We look forward to continuing the fight for freedom in Venezuela, working together to achieve a rapid transition to democracy and a bright future for the region”she also wrote.

During his first term (2017-2021), Donald Trump imposed a policy of maximum pressure against Nicolas Maduro's Venezuela, toughening financial sanctions and establishing an oil embargo.

Clandestinity

Mr. Maduro was proclaimed winner of the July presidential election by the National Electoral Council – considered to be under the orders of those in power – which, however, did not publish the exact count of polling stations, citing computer hacking, considered not credible by many. observers.

The opposition, which claims fraud, produced reports from more than 80% of the polling stations and ensures that its candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia, won with more than 67% of the votes. These minutes were accused of « faux » by power.

Venezuela's next presidential term begins on January 10. Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia, who had presented himself at short notice to replace Mr.^me Machado, declared ineligible, found refuge in Spain in September while M^me Machado, who regularly appears on social networks or in the media, has been living in hiding in Venezuela since the election.

The United States has not recognized Mr. Maduro's victory, but this week recognized Mr. Gonzalez Urrutia as the president-elect.