The Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office has declared a new criminal inquiry into opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, accusing her of backing proposed US economic sanctions against Venezuela. The charges, announced via Instagram, allege that Machado engaged in treason and conspiracy with foreign nations, citing Articles 128 and 132 of Venezuela’s Criminal Code. Furthermore, charges of organized crime under the Organized Crime Law have been levied against her.
The investigation follows Machado’s social media acknowledgment of US Representative Mike Waltz’s support for the BOLIVAR Act and her gratitude towards US legislators who advocated for it. The BOLIVAR Act (H. R. 825), passed by the US House of Representatives, aims to prevent the US federal government from engaging in contracts with individuals or entities conducting business with Venezuelan authorities deemed illegitimate by the US. This action has been branded by Venezuelan prosecutors as “criminal actions” by the US, intended to amplify sanctions against the nation.
This probe is part of a larger pattern of governmental actions against Machado and her political party. Previously, in January 2024, the Venezuelan Supreme Court prohibited her from holding public office for fifteen years, attributing this to alleged corruption during Juan Guaidó’s interim government. Additionally, several of her campaign managers and party members have been apprehended by security forces throughout 2024 (El País).
Machado currently remains in Venezuela, her location undisclosed, fervently continuing her political activism. In contrast, her party’s presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, has sought refuge in Spain, fearing governmental persecution. The potential arrest of Machado could heighten diplomatic strains with the United States, which recognizes her as a pivotal opposition leader since she unified previously fragmented opposition entities.
This development arises amid Venezuela’s ongoing political uncertainty following the controversial presidential election on July 28, where the National Electoral Council declared Nicolas Maduro as the victor. Despite this, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized Gonzalez as the president-elect, insisting the Venezuelan people voiced their choice (CNN). This contentious election has triggered widespread protests against Maduro’s re-election, with allegations of election tampering echoing internationally.
The Attorney General’s Office has reiterated its commitment to maintaining Venezuela’s stability, asserting its duty to defend national sovereignty amidst these turbulent political conditions.