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Nicolás Maduro’s Increasing Repression in Venezuela
Washington. The Biden administration is intensifying political pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime, outlining immigration and financial sanctions targeting key institutions such as the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), and the leadership of the Venezuelan Security Forces. These actions are in response to alleged election fraud and the illegal suppression of opposition led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia.
“Rather than respond to the Venezuelan people’s calls for transparency and democracy, Maduro has escalated repression through targeted threats, unjust arrests, and censorship in a desperate attempt to maintain power by force,” stated State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
Miller’s remarks come during a period when unofficial communications between the White House and the Maduro regime are ineffective. Although a backchannel exists, senior officials from the National Security Council and the State Department are struggling to navigate the ambiguous stance of congressman Jorge Rodríguez, Maduro’s representative in talks with the U.S.
The Maduro regime has preemptively acknowledged that sanctions against the National Electoral Council, Supreme Court, and Security Forces leadership will likely be imposed. However, this impending action has not deterred Maduro’s repressive agenda following the fraudulent presidential elections held on July 28.
Analysis from State Department officials suggests that Maduro is waiting for the results of the upcoming U.S. elections on November 5 before seeking a dialogue with Biden’s successor’s Latin American team.
In the midst of these developments, relatives of those arrested during the government’s crackdown on opposition protests are participating in vigils across Caracas, symbolizing the ongoing struggle against repression.
The Venezuelan dictator is ramping up efforts to suppress political opposition and media, all of which are vulnerable to the regime’s repressive tactics. Human rights violations continue to be denounced by the European Union, the Organization of American States, and the Carter Center, yet Maduro remains steadfast in his intentions to cling to power from the Miraflores Palace.
“Nicolás Maduro and his representatives have manipulated electoral outcomes, falsely claimed victory, and executed widespread repression to remain in power. The United States stands with the courageous Venezuelans who voted and continue to demand that Maduro acknowledge Edmundo González Urrutia as the legitimate winner,” added Miller.
González Urrutia and María Corina Machado maintain direct communication with both the White House and the State Department, with a primary goal of preserving Venezuelan society’s ability to mobilize and preventing further arbitrary detentions.
In Washington, the administration is currently evaluating possible responses should an arrest warrant for González Urrutia be issued, as he has been summoned by the prosecutor’s office under Maduro’s direct orders. The former presidential candidate is aware that he has become a target of the regime.
Should Maduro authorize the arrest of González Urrutia, the United States, along with its regional allies and the European Union, is prepared to initiate a global movement condemning this political decision. There will also be calls for the UN Security Council and the OAS to denounce the ongoing crimes against humanity perpetrated by Maduro.
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teleSUR
Nicolás Maduro’s Increasing Repression in Venezuela
Washington. The Biden administration is intensifying political pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s regime, outlining immigration and financial sanctions targeting key institutions such as the National Electoral Council (CNE), the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), and the leadership of the Venezuelan Security Forces. These actions are in response to alleged election fraud and the illegal suppression of opposition led by María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia.
“Rather than respond to the Venezuelan people’s calls for transparency and democracy, Maduro has escalated repression through targeted threats, unjust arrests, and censorship in a desperate attempt to maintain power by force,” stated State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.
Miller’s remarks come during a period when unofficial communications between the White House and the Maduro regime are ineffective. Although a backchannel exists, senior officials from the National Security Council and the State Department are struggling to navigate the ambiguous stance of congressman Jorge Rodríguez, Maduro’s representative in talks with the U.S.
The Maduro regime has preemptively acknowledged that sanctions against the National Electoral Council, Supreme Court, and Security Forces leadership will likely be imposed. However, this impending action has not deterred Maduro’s repressive agenda following the fraudulent presidential elections held on July 28.
Analysis from State Department officials suggests that Maduro is waiting for the results of the upcoming U.S. elections on November 5 before seeking further engagement or altering his approach.
