Venezuelan Opposition Seeks Security as Siege on Argentine Embassy Continues
Six members of Venezuela’s opposition, granted asylum in the Argentine embassy in Caracas since March 2022, find their situation worsening as foreign governments are involved. Last week marked the beginning of the entrance boycott they claim the Venezuelan government has imposed on the embassy, cutting off vital services such as electricity and water.
The embassy, under Brazilian protection since Argentine officials were expelled from Venezuela in August, has been under a “continued siege” according to Omar Gonzalez, an associate of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado.
“We launched an urgent appeal to the international community regarding the critical situation six persecuted political asylum seekers are facing inside the Argentinian Embassy,” Gonzalez wrote on X.
“A week-long siege continues at the Argentine embassy in Caracas. Brazil has officials detained while officials remain outside,” Pedro Uruchutu, one of the people seeking refuge inside stated on November 30th on X, “We no longer have electricity or drinking water. The water tanks have just been depleted after rationing remaining water.”
These individuals have reported a dire situation since last Monday due to reports of stolen electrical fuses. They claim their access to essentials like food and water is being blocked, hindering their basic survival needs. Photos document their precarious conditions.
The Democratic Unity Platform (PUD), the largest opposition coalition in Venezuela, is now calling for international pressure on the Maduro regime to lift the siege on the embassy.
The PUD, which involves figures like Claudia Marcello, Humberto Villalobos, and the former Minister Fernando Martinez Mottola, declared the situation “a very dangerous precedent for the rest of the embassies in Caracas.”
“The international community must urgently intervene to guarantee safe passage for these individuals and demand the Maduro regime cease their harassment and intimidation activities against the diplomatic building,” a statement released by the movement emphasized.
Venezuela Vente, a political party included in the PUD, also condemned the situation, stating, “these actions constitute violations of international law”
Venezuela, however, denies harbouring responsibility for the ongoing deprivation of basic utilities.
“We let them pay for electricity, pay for the service: we are not going to give them anything” stated Diosdado Cabello irregularly. These statements contradict reports by The Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding the Venezuelan government release safe passage orders allowing the refugee members of the opposition to leave the besieged embassy.
The Brazilian government, while looking after the embassy in Venezuela, maintains its commitment to defend Argentina’s interests and denies recognizing Maduro’s authority as President.
The ministry claimed “We will continue to provide all the necessary support so that the situation of these individuals can be resolved as soon under rules.”
What actions has the Venezuelan government taken against the six opposition members seeking refuge in the Argentine embassy?
## Venezuelan Opposition Seeks Security as Siege on Argentine Embassy Continues
**Host:** Welcome back to the program. Today we have a developing story out of Caracas, Venezuela, where six members of the opposition have been seeking refuge in the Argentine embassy for nearly two years. Unfortunately, their situation appears to be worsening, with reports of a siege and denial of essential services. To shed some light on this issue, we’re joined by Alex Reed, an expert on Latin American politics. Welcome to the show.
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. These individuals have been holed up in the embassy for almost two years. What led them there, and what’s the current situation?
**Alex Reed:** These opposition members sought asylum in the Argentine embassy in March 2022, fleeing persecution by the Venezuelan government. The embassy has been under Brazilian protection since Argentine diplomats were expelled in August of that year. [1](https://www.riotimesonline.com/venezuelan-forces-end-siege-at-argentine-embassy/) Now, they claim the Venezuelan government has imposed a siege, cutting off electricity and water for over a week.
**Host:** That sounds dire. What have these individuals said about their experience?
**Alex Reed:** Public statements from those inside, like Pedro Uruchutu, paint a stark picture. They describe a “continued siege,” with Brazilian officials detained outside the embassy while those inside face dwindling water supplies and a lack of power. They’ve even reported stolen electrical fuses. This raises serious concerns about their health and safety.
**Host:** What has the international response been? Are there any efforts being made to resolve the situation?
**Alex Reed:** Omar Gonzalez, associated with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, has issued an urgent plea to the international community, highlighting the precarious situation of these asylum seekers. However, at this stage, concrete actions from the international community remain unclear.
**Host:** This situation clearly highlights the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela. What are the potential implications of this embassy stand-off?
**Alex Reed:** This standoff could escalate political tensions, not only within Venezuela but also in the region. It sheds light on the precarious state of human rights and democratic freedoms in Venezuela and the challenges faced by those who oppose the current regime. The international community’s response will be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds.
**Host:** We will certainly be following this story closely. Thank you so much for your insights, Alex Reed.
**Alex Reed:** Thank you for having me.
