Venezuela Orders Arrest of Ousted Opposition Leader Juan Guaido

Venezuela opposition leader and former interim president Juan Guaido, who ran against President Nicolas Maduro, is now a wanted man in Venezuela as authorities order his arrest.

Venezuela Attorney General Tarek William Saab announced at a press conference that an arrest warrant has been issued for President Nicolas Maduro's main political rival. He alleged that Guaido used the state-owned oil company PDVSA's resources for personal expenses.

"Juan Guaido used PDVSA resources to finance himself, pay his legal expenses, and force PDVSA to accept his financing terms. These decisions caused losses to the nation of $19 billion, resulting in the almost definitive loss of Citgo," said the Venezuelan AG. He added that the country will request a red notice from Interpol.

According to CNN, he is also accused of alleged crimes of treason, usurpation of functions, profit or extraction of money, securities and public goods, and money laundering. At least 28 investigations have been conducted against the Venezuelan opposition leader, including for terrorism, arms trafficking, and treason.

The arrest warrant came as an upcoming presidential election is set to take place in Venezuela in 2024. Critics say that this will cast doubt on whether elections can be free and fair in a country infamous for its political repression.

US Expressing Concern Over Juan Guaido Arrest Warrant by Venezuela

As for the US reaction to the arrest warrant, Washington voiced concern as Guaido has been supported by the country in his bid in 2019 and is now living in exile there.

A US State Department spokesperson called the arrest warrant "political persecution against members of the democratic opposition." In addition, Barron's noted that the US also referred to an August 2021 agreement signed in Mexico between President Nicolas Maduro's government and the opposition where it would consider Guaido as the interim president.

The State Department spokesperson then pointed out that both parties agree to work toward a peaceful social and political coexistence that "rejects violence, guarantees political rights for all, and protects human rights."

The US and other democratic countries, especially those in the West, consider Guaido as the legitimate interim president of Venezuela.

Venezuela Opposition Leader Juan Guaido Stands Defiant Amid Arrest Warrant

Shortly after the arrest warrant against him was made, Juan Guaido took to social media to vow that President Maduro cannot stop him from pointing out his government's irregularities, according to WION.

"You (Venezuelan President, Nicolas Maduro) are accusing me now to also try to explain your supporting groups where is the money you stole. In addition, you used fake news to talk about the alleged 19 billion (US dollars) the country owes for the illegal issue of bonds in your case, expropriation since the (ex-President Hugo) Chavez era, among other things," he posted on Instagram.

He added, "Then, no Maduro, I did not allow you to kidnap me, I will not allow you to take my voice and I will keep reporting you wherever it is possible to do so."

Under Maduro, Venezuela has plunged into a massive economic crisis, forcing many to flee the country. Many Venezuelans now risk life and limb just to escape and brave the dangerous trek to find a better life in the US.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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