Venezuelan Asylum Seekers at Argentine Embassy Over 400 Days Urge Lula for Safe Passage, Cite Brazilian Flag Humiliation

A group of Venezuelan opposition members has been seeking asylum for over 400 days at the Argentine embassy in Caracas, Venezuela. These individuals have appealed to Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for assistance, expressing frustration over Brazil's perceived lack of firmness in securing safe passage for their departure from Venezuela. The group claims that the Brazilian flag has been humiliated in the process and has formally requested that Lula provide safeguards to facilitate their exit. The five members, associated with María Corina Machado's team, remain under Brazil's protection but have not received humanitarian asylum or transportation support from the Brazilian government. Critics highlight that while Lula has granted asylum to other individuals, including one convicted of money laundering, he has not extended similar support to those fleeing persecution by Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's regime.