On Wednesday, Venezuela apprehended an opposition member on charges of treason, following an announcement by the attorney general that arrest warrants had been issued for several individuals associated with the campaign of opposition presidential nominee Maria Corina Machado, alleging crimes such as treason.

A spokesperson for Machado’s Vente Venezuela party asserted earlier in the day that the staff members had consistently adhered to proper conduct.

Roberto Abdul, a member of the commission responsible for organizing the primary in which Machado was elected as the opposition’s 2024 candidate, was confirmed to be in custody by his wife, as reported by Alfredo Romero, the head of the non-governmental organization Foro Penal, through social media.

Foro Penal is known for advocating for political prisoners. Abdul had previously been questioned by authorities in connection with a criminal inquiry into the primary, which the opposition contends was transparent and fair, Reuters reported.

Attorney General Tarek Saab, speaking on state television later in the day, announced arrest warrants for Henry Alviarez, Claudia Macero, and Pedro Urruchurtu on charges including treason, conspiracy, and money laundering.

Saab accused the three staff members and Abdul of engaging in “destabilizing and conspiratorial actions” during a recent referendum vote on a territorial dispute with Guyana.

The referendum, supported by President Nicolas Maduro’s government, saw voters rejecting international court jurisdiction over the dispute and backing the establishment of a new Venezuelan state in the Esequibo region.

This outcome dismayed Guyana, which questioned the legitimacy of the vote.

Written by B.C. Begley

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