Venezuela’s top prosecutor has announced arrest warrants for the presidential campaign manager of the prominent opposition figure María Corina Machado and eight other of her staffers, accusing them of involvement in a violent anti-government conspiracy.
The nation’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, announced in a televised press conference on Wednesday that campaign manager Magalli Meda and other individuals were charged with involvement in a plot to “destabilize” the country. The alleged plan included protests, a media campaign, and potential attacks on military facilities.
According to Saab, Meda was one of the two staff members arrested on Wednesday.
An individual who knows Hernández confirmed that she is the woman depicted in a video that has been widely shared on Venezuelan social media. In the video, she can be heard screaming “Help! Help, please! No!” while at least three officers in uniform attempt to forcibly place her into an SUV. The source requested to remain anonymous out of concern for potential backlash.
According to Saab, the warrants were a result of a statement made by Emill Brandt, a member of Machado’s staff who was arrested earlier this month. Brandt’s attorney, Omar Mora, informed the Associated Press that Brandt has been refused his preferred legal representation.
Hours after a group of experts investigating human rights abuses in Venezuela informed the UN human rights council, an announcement was made that the Maduro government had stepped up its efforts to suppress both actual and potential opponents in preparation for the upcoming presidential election.
“The panel leader, Marta Valiñas, reported to the council that the mission has confirmed a pattern of the authorities using either genuine or fabricated conspiracies to threaten, arrest, and prosecute individuals who speak out against or criticize the government. The council has granted permission for this investigative mission to take place, as it has in the past.”
Valiñas stated in Geneva that the attorney general’s office remains an active participant in the government’s oppressive tactics, using its authority to give a false impression of legitimacy to the suppression of dissenting opinions.
Last year, Machado won a primary election with a large majority, held by a faction of the opposition. However, in January, the country’s supreme tribunal of justice reconfirmed an administrative decision that prohibits the former politician from holding public office for 15 years.
Despite pressure from both domestic and international sources, Machado has persisted in her campaign and refused to withdraw from the race in Venezuela.
Machado condemned the arrests. “These cowardly actions aim to close Venezuela’s path towards change and freedom in peace and democracy,” she wrote on Twitter. “Venezuelans, I ask you for strength and courage in these difficult times. Today, more than ever, we need to be united and firm to continue moving towards our goals.”
The election will be held on 28 July. Candidates may register between 21-25 March.
Source: theguardian.com
