Maduro ally in court to face corruption charges

Venezuela -Venezuela’s government announced on Saturday to halt negotiations with its political opponents – in retaliation for the extradition of a close ally of President Nicolás Maduro.

Prosecutors believe the ally could be a significant witness to corruption in the South American nation.

A businessman who prosecutors think as a major conduit for corruption by Maduro’s inner circle appeared in Miami’s federal court on Monday. His appearance came after the weekend extradition that further strained relations between Venezuela’s socialist government and the U.S.

Alex Saab’s legs shook nervously as he waited, handcuffed in an orange jumpsuit, for the hearing to begin. Only hours after Saab sat on a Department of Justice aircraft, Saturday, Maduro’s government halted negotiations with Venezuela’s US-backed opposition. On the other hand, it also threw six American oil executives – accused of corruption – back into jail. It merits mentioning that they have been under house arrest in a politically charged case amid allegations of wrongful detention.

Related Posts

Meanwhile, the Chair of Venezuelan opposition’s negotiating team has urged President Maduro’s administration to resume dialogue soon after the government halted its participation this weekend.

Maduro’s government put the conversations on ice after Alex Saab, a Venezuelan envoy, was taken to the United States to face corruption charges from Cape Verde on Saturday.

It was the latest hit at Norwegian-sponsored talks among the two sides, which are yet to make concrete advances toward diminishing Venezuela’s prolonged economic and social crisis.

It is pertinent to mention that most Venezuelans live in extreme poverty, suffering gasoline shortages and power blackouts. Furthermore, millions have fled the country, seeking employment and better living conditions.

“We ask our counterpart to restart the negotiations as soon as possible,” opposition negotiator Gerardo Blyde said from Mexico City.

Norway furthered that call on Twitter, saying the only solution is negotiation.

Vanessa Tomassini

Recent Posts

Abrupt Exit of F1 Race Director Raises Questions

At the start of this month, Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, expressed his unease over the sudden resignations of Formula… Read More

November 22, 2024

Rosé & Bruno Mars: APT. Live Debut at MAMA Awards

K-pop star Rosé and Bruno Mars will perform their viral hit APT. live for the first time today at the… Read More

November 22, 2024

“We Will See”: Ronaldo on Playing with Cristiano Jr.

Cristiano Ronaldo has hinted at a dream that has fans buzzing—playing professional football alongside his son, Cristiano Jr. In a… Read More

November 22, 2024

Canadian Authorities Accuse Indian Agents of Serious Crimes

The government of Canada has responded to a recent media report linking Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the killing of… Read More

November 22, 2024

Fewer Americans Apply for Unemployment, but Challenges Persist

The Labor Department reported on Thursday that new jobless claims fell by 6,000 to 213,000 for the week of November… Read More

November 21, 2024

Judge Stanalonis Appointed County Administrative Judge for St. Mary’s Circuit Court

Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader of the Supreme Court of Maryland has named Judge Joseph M. Stanalonis as the county… Read More

November 21, 2024

This website uses cookies.

Read More