Investigation comes after opposition allegedly supports new set of US sanctions
The Prosecutor’s Office began a new investigation against the opposition leader, on charges of “treason against the country”. The investigation comes after the opposition allegedly supports a new set of US sanctions . Recently, the US House of Representatives approved a bipartisan bill, called “Bolívar”, which prevents the signing of contracts with individuals or companies that maintain commercial relations with the Venezuelan government not recognized by Washington. Machado expressed his gratitude to Congressman Mike Waltz for supporting the bill, considering it an important step toward holding Nicolás Maduro’s regime accountable. This expression of support led the Public Ministry to allege that his statements constitute crimes of treason, in addition to conspiracy with foreign nations and association to commit crime.
The “Bolívar” bill establishes restrictions so that the United States does not enter into contracts with people who do business with the Maduro government. In response, the Venezuelan government classified the measure as a “criminal attack”, arguing that it violates the UN Charter and adds to more than 930 unilateral sanctions imposed on Caracas. Washington, in turn, considers Maduro’s recent elections fraudulent and recognizes Edmundo González Urrutia as the “elected president” of Venezuela. González Urrutia went into exile in Spain after the elections, which were marked by challenges over his legitimacy. The National Electoral Council announced that Maduro obtained 52% of the votes, but did not provide details about the voting process.
Published by Sarah Paula
*Report produced with the help of AI
