Anadolu Agency
The US State Department has increased its reward to $25 million for information that could facilitate the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. This adjustment from the initial $15 million coincided with Maduro’s swearing-in for a third term on January 10, despite clear evidence indicating his defeat by opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez in the July 2024 elections. The Biden administration does not view Maduro as the rightful leader of Venezuela and has urged him to resign, supporting the claim of the exiled Gonzalez to the presidency.
Gonzalez has provided a substantial number of public vote tallies that indicate he won the presidential election by a significant margin. He recently met with President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, to express his appreciation for Biden’s backing.
Gonzalez faces the possibility of arrest if he returns to Venezuela. Additionally, the Venezuelan defense minister has rejected any suggestion that Gonzalez should assume the presidency, affirming that the armed forces will only recognize Maduro as the president.
According to the White House, the reward offered for Maduro’s arrest aims to convey “solidarity with the Venezuelan people” and to apply pressure on Maduro and his supporters.
The United Kingdom has imposed sanctions on 15 high-ranking officials in Venezuela, which include judges, security personnel, and military leaders.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stated that these individuals are accountable for actions that “undermine democracy, the rule of law, and human rights violations.” Foreign Secretary David Lammy characterized Maduro’s government as “fraudulent.”
Additionally, on the same day, the European Union announced the extension of “restrictive measures” against Venezuela, citing “the lack of progress… towards the restoration of democracy and the rule of law.” The EU also sanctioned another 15 Venezuelan officials.
President Maduro and his administration have repeatedly denounced the various allegations leveled against them by Western countries and opposition leaders.
The United States has cited charges related to drug trafficking and corruption that date back to 2020, accusing Maduro and other high-ranking officials of engaging in “narco-terrorism” by allegedly flooding the American market with cocaine and using drugs as a weapon to undermine the well-being of American citizens. Maduro has refuted these accusations.
Additionally, the United States re-imposed oil sanctions on Venezuela last year, after temporarily relaxing them in the hope that Maduro would be motivated to hold free and fair elections.
On Friday, President Maduro took the oath of office, declaring that his upcoming third six-year term would represent a “period of peace.” He commented, “This new presidential term will embody peace, prosperity, equality, and a revitalized democracy.” He further asserted, “I swear by history, I swear by my life, and I will honor this promise.
