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Venezuela Orders Arrests of US Attack Supporters After Maduro Capture

The Venezuelan government has published a decree declaring a State of External Commotion, instructing security forces to detain anyone promoting or supporting a US attack against the country. The decree was signed by Nicolas Maduro before his capture by US forces and is now endorsed by acting president Delcy Rodriguez. This marks the first use of this constitutional emergency provision since 1999, granting the presidency near-total authority for an initial 90 days. Meanwhile, the deposed Maduro has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in New York, and Switzerland has frozen any assets linked to him within its jurisdiction.

Key Points: Venezuela Decree Orders Arrests for Backing US Attack

  • Emergency decree grants sweeping powers
  • Orders arrests of US attack supporters
  • Maduro captured and pleads not guilty in NY
  • First use of constitutional emergency provision since 1999
  • Switzerland freezes Maduro-linked assets
2 min read

Venezuela issues decree ordering arrests of supporters of US 'attack'

Venezuela issues emergency decree ordering arrests of anyone supporting a US attack, as deposed leader Nicolas Maduro faces charges in New York court.

"search and capture... any person involved in the promotion or support of the armed attack by the United States - Decree text"

Caracas, January 6

The Venezuelan government on Monday published a decree declaring a State of External Commotion, granting sweeping powers to the presidency and instructing security forces to detain "any person involved in the promotion or support" of a US attack against the South American country, CNN reported.

The decree, dated Saturday, was signed by then-president Nicolas Maduro, who was captured earlier that day by US military forces and is currently being held in New York.

"The national, state, and municipal police agencies must immediately undertake the search and capture throughout the national territory of any person involved in the promotion or support of the armed attack by the United States of America against the territory of the Republic (...) with a view to their prosecution," the text stated, endorsed by the now acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, as per CNN.

The decree had originally been drafted and announced in late September, weeks after the United States began deploying naval assets in the Caribbean. However, its contents were not made public at the time and were later updated to reflect developments over the weekend, CNN reported.

The measure carries the force of law and will remain in effect for 90 days, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 90 days.

Under Venezuela's Constitution, the declaration of a state of emergency allows the president to exercise near-total authority over political, economic and social matters. This marks the first time the provision has been invoked since the current Constitution came into force in 1999, which permits such a decree in cases of conflict that "seriously endangers the security of the nation, its citizens, or its institutions", CNN reported. Meanwhile, Venezuela's deposed dictator, Nicolas Maduro, pleaded not guilty to multiple federal charges during his appearance before a New York City federal court on Monday, according to CNN.

Switzerland government too, has announced the immediate freezing of any Swiss-based assets linked to Venezuela's deposed dictator Nicolas Maduro, saying that if the assets are found to be of illicit origin, efforts will be made to ensure they benefit the Venezuelan population.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The US intervention is worrying. It sets a dangerous precedent for powerful nations to just capture leaders of other countries. What about international law? The Swiss freezing assets is a good step though, hopefully that money can help the people.
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Priyanka N
External interference never ends well for the common people. Look at our history. The Venezuelan acting president is right to be vigilant, but the decree sounds like it could be misused for a crackdown. Very complex situation. 🙏
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Aman W
First time using that constitutional provision since 1999! Shows how grave they see the threat. But granting "near-total authority" to the presidency for 90 days? That's a long time for democracy to be on hold. Hope it doesn't become permanent.
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Michael C
Maduro in a New York court is surreal. The asset freeze by Switzerland is the most practical news here. Corrupt leaders stash wealth abroad while their people suffer. Hope the process to return any illicit funds to Venezuela is swift.
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Kavya N
As an Indian, I believe in "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" (the world is one family). This kind of conflict hurts that ideal. The focus should be on dialogue and the welfare of Venezuelan citizens, not on expanding presidential powers or foreign military moves.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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