In a series of coordinated actions, the Venezuelan government has escalated its crackdown on the opposition ahead of the upcoming elections. The attorney general announced the arrest of two allies of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, Henry Alviarez and Dignora Hernández, with warrants issued for seven others on charges of conspiracy. This move has sparked international condemnation, with various government officials and entities expressing their support for Machado and denouncing the Maduro regime's actions as an attempt to suppress political dissent. The House Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Rep. McCaul, plans to vote on reauthorizing sanctions against Maduro's government, emphasizing the need for accountability. Additionally, the arrests have prompted discussions on the impact of these actions on Venezuela's democratic processes and the international community's response to the ongoing political crisis.
Many countries have decried the arrests of two top aides of Venezuela's opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. They were accused of being involved in conspiracies against President Maduro and other top officials. https://t.co/fGAT0W4Cks
I strongly condemn Nicolás Maduro’s continued undemocratic assault on political opposition. With these arrests, Maduro has now jailed over 30 opposition organizers falsely accused of plots against the state. The people of Venezuela deserve free and fair elections. https://t.co/bGrrz5Un1R
We stand with @Almagro_OEA2015 and other #OAS member states in condemning arbitrary arrests of members of the political opposition in Venezuela. Maduro continues to suppress democratic voices, including those of civil society, but the Venezuelan people's aspirations for freedom… https://t.co/M3REBsd1QG
🚨 @HouseForeignGOP just passed my VERDAD Reauthorization Act to reauthorize sanctions on the Maduro regime! Yesterday’s injustice shows us that the United States cannot deal with Maduro or his lackeys nicely. Time to fight fire with fire. CC: @SenMarcoRubio @RepDWStweets https://t.co/acIvps5NOe
The Venezuelan narco-socialist dictatorship is detaining the entire senior team of the leading opposition candidate @MariaCorinaYA , the Biden, Trudeau, UK, etc. governments, who made a pact with Maduro have a responsibility to act.
As election nears, Venezuelan government keeps arresting opponents allegedly tied to criminal plots https://t.co/FkL7G62m1d
Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro is afraid of facing off with the popular opposition leader in an open and competitive election, writes Carrie Filipetti. https://t.co/poQo0a0Puy
It’s critical that @StateDept press Maduro Regime on the release of Corina Machado campaign officials and approve her qualification as a presidential candidate. We must have free and fair elections in Venezuela. #VenezuelaLibre 🇻🇪 🗳️ https://t.co/yLKPxWeECE
The continued wave of arrests “casts a pall over the Venezuelan people’s aspirations that Maduro and those around him would allow a competitive election,” said US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Brian Nichols @WHAAsstSecty https://t.co/ZuMWRQLNqI
The VERDAD Reauthorization Act allows the United States to continue fighting Chavista oppression. The arrest of María Corina Machado’s campaign team today proves the Maduro regime needs to pay the price. This legislation is necessary now more than ever. https://t.co/4CqXJI2Uyz
Outrageous moves against Venezuela’s democratically elected opposition leader. We stand with @MariaCorinaYa hasta el final! https://t.co/AIpns3hkfA
We condemn the arbitrary arrests and warrants issued today for members of the democratic opposition in Venezuela. Maduro’s escalating attacks on civil society and political actors are totally inconsistent with Barbados Accord commitments but will not stifle the democratic…
Venezuela rounding up more Maria Corina allies: 2 already under arrest, 7 more coming, on "conspiracy" charges, according to regime. Will the opposition continue to play along with the fake election in July? Will US react? https://t.co/KArnpx2FjL
CHM @RepMcCaul: "I condemn the increasing harassment of Maria Corina Machado and members of her team. Tomorrow, my committee will vote on reauthorizing sanctions on Maduro’s criminal regime—I urge the administration to follow suit and restore accountability to this dictatorship."
Maduro continues to target Maria Corina Machados team as well as the wider opposition. #Venezuela https://t.co/u1HNQOlBen
WORLD ALERT The Maduro regime unleashes brutal repression against my campaign teams. They have arrested Henry Alviarez, National Coordinator of Organization of my Campaign Command, and Dignora Hernández, Political Coordinator. Additionally, they have issued arrest warrants…
What will @LulaOficial and @petrogustavo have to say about the Maduro govt's move to dismantle @MariaCorinaYA 's election campaign by arresting its members? Their ambassadors in Caracas will be keeping them abreast of events.
Arrest warrants issued for Venezuelan opposition candidate's campaign manager and other staffers (from @AP) https://t.co/tRW3lX6opf
#Venezuela elections expert @puzkas hits the nail on the head on today's detentions: "Winning an election when you only have 20 percent support (on average) requires demoralizing, at all costs, voters who are eager for political change." https://t.co/kDQHrq3HMF
Venezuela attorney general arrests two Machado allies, warrants out for seven others https://t.co/A7WVKXuVtd