The Venezuelan Attorney General’s Office announced Friday a new criminal investigation against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado for allegedly endorsing US economic sanctions against the South American nation.
According to the statement, prosecutors allege Machado committed treason and conspiracy with foreign nations under Articles 128 and 132 of Venezuela’s Criminal Code, as well as organized crime under the Organized Crime Law. The investigation stems from Machado’s social media response to US Representative Mike Waltz regarding the BOLIVAR Act, in which she thanked him “for supporting the courage and will of the Venezuelan people” and expressed gratitude to House members who “defended and passed the BOLIVAR Act,” calling it “a crucial step to hold the Maduro regime accountable.”
The BOLIVAR Act (H. R. 825), passed Monday by the US House of Representatives, would prohibit the US federal government from contracting with any person or entity that conducts business operations with Venezuelan authorities not recognized as legitimate by the US. The prosecutors characterized this legislation as “criminal actions deployed by the US House of Representatives” seeking to expand sanctions against Venezuela.
This investigation adds to a pattern of actions against Machado and her political organization. In January 2024, the Venezuelan Supreme Court disqualified her from holding public office for fifteen years, citing alleged corruption during Juan Guaidó’s “interim government.” Throughout 2024, several of her campaign managers and party members have been detained by security forces without stated charges.
Machado remains in Venezuela in an undisclosed location, continuing her political activism, while her party’s presidential candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez, has sought exile in Spain. The potential detention of Machado could escalate diplomatic tensions with the US, which views her as Venezuela’s primary opposition figure after successfully unifying previously fractured opposition groups.
The investigation comes amid ongoing political turmoil following Venezuela’s contentious presidential election on July 28. While the National Electoral Council declared Maduro the winner, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken formally recognized Gonzalez as president-elect, stating: “The Venezuelan people spoke resoundingly on July 28 and made Edmundo Gonzalez the president-elect. Democracy demands respect for the will of the voters.”
President Nicolas Maduro has responded to widespread protests and riots with increased restrictions. The international community and observers questioned the legitimacy of the election results announced a day after the election, which opposition parties rejected. According to Foro Penal, as of November 8, 2024, they have registered 1,963 political prisoners who were detained during the protests.
The Attorney General’s Office stated it would remain vigilant against any actions threatening the country’s stability, emphasizing its role in safeguarding Venezuela’s independence and sovereignty.
