Venezuela opens treason inquiry against opposition leader Machado
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Venezuelan prosecutors launch a treason investigation into opposition leader María Corina Machado, accusing her of backing US sanctions against the nation.
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Opposition presidential hopeful Maria Corina Machado speaks during an interview with the Foreign Press Association, in Caracas, Venezuela, on September 26, 2023 (AP)
The Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s Office has accused opposition figure Maria Corina Machado of backing and encouraging the passage of HR 825, also known as the BOLIVAR Act, a measure recently approved by the United States House of Representatives.
The legislation is designed to tighten sanctions and reinforce the economic blockade on Venezuela.
The Venezuelan Public Prosecutor’s Office indicated that the law seeks to undermine the legacy of Liberator Simon Bolivar, asserting that such actions represent a grave breach of the Constitution and an affront to national sovereignty.
As a result, an investigation has been launched against Machado, accusing her of endorsing a “legal maneuver” that leads to “severe criminal actions against the Venezuelan people.”
In a statement, the Prosecutor's Office said it has opened the inquiry because Machado's support for tougher US measures constitutes "treason to the homeland."
The Office stressed that it is "fighting against any person, group, or national or international entity that threatens the stability of the country."
It added that Machado’s public statements supporting this law implicate her in significant criminal offenses. These include violations under Article 132 of the Criminal Code, addressing conspiracy with foreign entities as detailed in Article 128 of the Penal Code, and association for criminal activities, as defined in Article 37 of the Law Against Organized Crime.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office, leading the investigation into the far-right opposition, emphasized its dedication to upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law in the country.
Venezuelan parliament approves Simon Bolivar Liberator Organic Law
In reaction to the US House's passage of HR 825, the Venezuelan National Assembly has approved the Simon Bolivar Liberator Organic Law in its initial discussion.
This legislation is designed to counter the imperialist blockade and safeguard the sovereignty of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.
President Nicolas Maduro condemned the “criminal attempt” to link Simon Bolivar’s name to a law he described as a vile and unlawful act of aggression against Venezuela, orchestrated by the US Congress.
In this context, he urged the Venezuelan people to rally together in opposition to what he labeled the “Law of Garbage".
It is noteworthy that In September, Venezuela's attorney general's office issued an arrest warrant against opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia under charges of conspiracy, corruption, sabotage, and fraud [forgery of official documents], according to Al Mayadeen's correspondent in Caracas.
In August, the Prosecutor’s Office launched a criminal investigation against Gonzalez Urrutia and fellow opposition leader Maria Corina Machado—who was barred from running—to determine their roles in crimes related to the "usurpation" of authority, spreading false information to incite unrest, encouraging disobedience of the law, incitement to insurrection, criminal conspiracy, and related offenses.
Both Machado and Urrutia were accused of challenging the election results and undermining electoral authorities by falsely declaring the winner of the presidential elections on an unofficial website, under a formula that contradicts the National Electoral Council.
Following the election, Gonzalez Urrutia fled to Spain in response to an outstanding arrest warrant, while Machado has gone into hiding.
This week, Washington, which has not recognized Maduro's victory, announced for the first time that it recognizes Gonzalez Urrutia as Venezuela's president-elect.
