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Argentina calls on ICC to order arrest of Venezuela's Maduro

September 7, 2024

Buenos Aires argues that recent actions of Nicolas Maduro's government could constitute crimes against humanity, asking for Maduro to be prosecuted before the International Criminal Court.

https://p.dw.com/p/4kNxF
Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro points during a press conference in Caracas
Venezuelan President Maduro has faced massive condemnation and protest since claiming victory in the July electionImage: Jeampier Arguinzones/dpa/picture alliance

Argentina is calling on the International Criminal Court to request an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, amid the ongoing unrest in the country since he was declared the winner of the July election.

The Argentinian Foreign Ministry argues that the actions taken by Maduro's government since the ballot could constitute crimes against humanity.

Buenos Aires will submit a request to the court on Monday to push for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Maduro and other members of his government, the ministry said.

Deadly riots after controversial election

Former bus driver Nicolas Maduro took power in Venezuela in 2013 following the death of his mentor Hugo Chavez. His time in office has been hounded by many controversies, but pressure is now piling up on Maduro both domestically and internationally over the contested July 28 election.

The Venezuelan opposition has claimed victory for its candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and said the vote was marred by fraud.

The disputed results of the election have plunged the Latin American nation into a state of turmoil.

At least 23 people have died, dozens injured and thousands detained in the protests that have since ensued.

The United Nations, the US, the European Union and several countries have all condemned the ongoing crackdown on opposition to the election results.

Venezuela's disputed election sparks more protests

Venezuelan security surrounds Argentine embassy

On Friday evening, Venezuelan security forces surrounded the Brazil-managed residence of the Argentine embassy in Caracas, where six opposition figures have been taking refuge since March, opposition figure Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli said on X, formerly Twitter.

Brazil reportedly took the six opposition figures into custody.

Since August, Brazil has been in charge of the embassy of Argentina, and has been representing it in the country, after the expulsions of its diplomats.

Venezuela expelled diplomats from seven Latin American countries in late July after their governments expressed concern regarding the election results.

rmt/dj (dpa, EFE)