Venezuela demands Extradition of Opposition Leader from Spain
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has escalated his campaign against opposition leader Dinorah Figuera, demanding her extradition from Spain on charges of embezzlement and theft of Venezuelan assets frozen abroad due to international sanctions. Maduro’s request, made public on Thursday, adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between Venezuela and the West.
Maduro’s accusations are serious. He alleges that Figuera, along wiht other former opposition parliamentarians, orchestrated the misappropriation of funds, specifically targeting Citgo, a US-based subsidiary of the venezuelan state oil company PDVSA. “Just as we extradite criminals to those countries, we ask for the extradition, so that she can face justice, of this lady Dinorah Figuera,” Maduro stated, further accusing her of “robbing Citgo.”
Details of the Allegations
According to Maduro, Figuera and her associates, including former National Assembly President Juan Guaidó, whom Maduro labeled a “bandit,” allegedly increased monthly payments to themselves by 40%, reaching approximately $10,000 per person. This claim is vehemently denied by Figuera and her supporters.
Venezuela’s Vice President delcy Rodríguez echoed Maduro’s accusations, referring to the group as a “gang of thieves” intent on ”maintain[ing] illegality” to steal from the Venezuelan people. The Venezuelan parliament, controlled by maduro’s Chavista party, has also announced its intention to pursue legal action against Figuera and others under the Simón Bolívar Law, which penalizes those who seek sanctions or manipulate Venezuelan funds.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Venezuelan parliament presented what it claims is a letter to a US State Department official requesting access to Citgo assets. The Chavista government alleges this demonstrates the opposition’s intent to use these funds for “financing conspiracies” and personal enrichment. In October 2023, Venezuelan courts approved a request for Figuera’s extradition on charges including treason, money laundering, and usurpation of functions.
The implications of this escalating conflict extend beyond Venezuela’s borders. The case highlights the ongoing political and economic turmoil within the country and the complex interplay of international sanctions and accusations of financial wrongdoing. The US response to Maduro’s extradition request will be closely watched, as it could significantly impact future relations between the two nations.
Venezuela’s Leadership Sees Key Change
A significant shift in Venezuelan leadership has unfolded, with implications reaching far beyond the nation’s borders. The news, announced on December 23, 2024, centers around a mandate extension approved by the 2015 National Assembly.
this decision was formally communicated to Francisco Palmieri, the head of the U.S. mission to Venezuela, by Dinorah Figuera. “dinorah Figuera notified the head of the US mission to Venezuela, Francisco Palmieri, of the decision,” a statement confirmed.
The implications of this advancement are far-reaching, potentially impacting US relations with Venezuela and the broader political landscape of Latin America. Experts are closely analyzing the long-term effects of this decision on regional stability and economic cooperation.
The situation underscores the ongoing complexities of Venezuelan politics and its interconnectedness with US interests. Further updates and analysis will be crucial in understanding the full ramifications of this recent development.
Stay tuned to world-today-news.com for continued coverage of this evolving story.
Support self-reliant journalism. Your contribution helps ensure access to unbiased news.
