Argentina is urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, claiming his government’s actions following the contested July election could constitute crimes against humanity.
The Argentinian Foreign Ministry stated that it would submit a formal request to the ICC on Monday, citing the alleged human rights violations and violent crackdowns Maduro’s government has conducted since his controversial election victory.
Election-Related Unrest and Allegations of Fraud
Nicolas Maduro, who has ruled Venezuela since 2013 after succeeding Hugo Chavez, declared victory in the July 28 election. However, opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia and his supporters have claimed that the election was rigged. Widespread allegations of electoral fraud have ignited deadly protests across the country, leaving at least 23 people dead, scores injured, and thousands arrested.
The disputed election has drawn widespread international condemnation from the United Nations, the US, the European Union, and several other countries. They have all criticized the Maduro government’s violent crackdown on dissent and suppression of political opposition.
Argentine Embassy Tensions
Further escalating tensions, Venezuelan security forces reportedly surrounded the Argentine embassy’s Brazil-managed residence in Caracas on Friday. Six opposition members, who have been sheltered there since March, are now in custody, according to Pedro Urruchurtu Noselli, an opposition figure.
Diplomatic relations between Venezuela and other Latin American nations have deteriorated sharply, especially after Maduro’s government expelled diplomats from seven countries in July following their criticism of the election results. Brazil, which has managed Argentina’s embassy since its diplomats were expelled, took over diplomatic responsibilities in the region.
Calls for International Action
Argentina’s push for the ICC to take action against Maduro reflects growing pressure on Venezuela’s government from the international community. If the ICC moves forward with an arrest warrant, it could deepen the isolation of Maduro’s regime on the global stage.
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