Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, chaired an important meeting of the political alliance on 7/1. The meeting, attended by National Assembly President Jorge Rodriguez, Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello, along with governors, parliament members, mayors, and senior officials, focused on a "plan to rescue President Nicolas Maduro and Cilia Flores". The details of this plan remain unclear.
The meeting follows the arrest of President Maduro and his wife during a U.S. raid in Caracas on the morning of 3/1. They were subsequently transferred to New York. The operation drew strong criticism from the United Nations and many countries, including some U.S. allies.
On 5/1, Maduro and Flores appeared in a New York federal court to hear their indictments. Both rejected the charges brought by U.S. prosecutors. Following the hearing, they were returned to temporary detention at Brooklyn jail. The next hearing is scheduled for 17/3.
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President Maduro and his wife were escorted from a helicopter to a New York court on 5/1. Photo: Reuters. |
President Maduro and his wife were escorted from a helicopter to a New York court on 5/1. Photo: Reuters.
In recent days, Maduro's supporters have continued to march in the capital, Caracas, demanding the United States release the Venezuelan leader. Speaking at a women's march in Caracas on 7/1, Minister Cabello asserted that the U.S. is "holding prisoners of war on their territory", calling on Washington to free Maduro and his wife.
According to Cabello, when U.S. forces raided Maduro and Flores' residence, Flores "bravely confronted the attackers" and insisted they take her along if they arrested Maduro. "These are the qualities of Venezuelan women: brave, devoted, astute, and willing to use their lives to protect their people, homeland, and loved ones," Cabello emphasized.
Interim President Rodriguez stated on 6/1 that the Venezuelan government will continue to pursue peace, protect national sovereignty, and strive for the freedom of President Maduro and his wife. She also called on the U.S. to "cease harassment", asserting that the country still has a constitutional government and "centralized political power" built on the foundation of popular authority.
Huyen Le (According to ABC News, AFP, Telesurtv)
