In a crackdown following the contested presidential election in Venezuela, the Maduro government has announced the detention of five foreigners, including three US citizens. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello revealed that the detainees, who also include individuals from Bolivia and Peru, are suspected of engaging in antigovernment activities. Human rights groups have noted a rise in repression in Venezuela following the disputed election in July, which opposition groups and international observers have deemed fraudulent. The US government has called on Venezuela to release full election results, but Maduro has dismissed accusations of election malfeasance.
Critics suggest that Maduro and his allies may be using foreign prisoners as leverage in international relations. In a similar incident in 2023, Venezuela released foreign detainees in exchange for the release of a Maduro ally from US custody. Tensions between the US and Venezuela have persisted for years, with the US imposing sanctions on the Maduro government for alleged human rights abuses. Despite reaching an agreement to ease sanctions in exchange for fair elections, relations deteriorated following Maduro’s victory declaration. The recent arrests of foreign nationals, allegedly involved in a CIA plot to assassinate Maduro, have further strained Venezuela’s relations with the US and other Latin American countries.
The detainees from the US have been identified as David Guttenberg Guillaume, Jonathan Pagan Gonzalez and Gregory David Werber. The US State Department has stated that the safety of American citizens is a priority and is seeking more information on the matter. The situation highlights the ongoing political turmoil in Venezuela and the challenges in its relations with foreign powers.
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