Argentina and Venezuela exchange arrest warrants amid rising tensions
The Argentine judicial authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Nicolás Maduro, the leader of Venezuela, and Diosdado Cabello, the head of the Venezuelan Ministry of Internal Affairs. Both have been accused of systematic kidnappings, torture, and murders that occurred in Venezuela.
On Monday, the Argentine authorities issued a warrant for the arrest of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his close associate, the head of the Venezuelan Ministry of Internal Affairs, Diosdado Cabello. The court accuses them of systematic actions involving kidnappings, torture, and murders. This decision responds to complaints from human rights organisations and is based on evidence indicating that Venezuelan citizens have been subjected to repression since 2014.
The Venezuelan government responded almost immediately by issuing a warrant for the arrest of Argentine President Javier Milei. The Venezuelan prosecutor accused Milei of "theft and disassembly" of an aircraft seized in Buenos Aires in 2022 and later handed over to the United States.
This aircraft was associated with a violation of American sanctions. Its seizure took place as part of international efforts to enforce these sanctions.
The mutual arrest warrants are the latest chapter in relations between these countries, which have become increasingly tense after the presidential elections in Venezuela in July. Maduro declared himself the winner, but these elections were widely contested internationally.
Accusations of systematic repression in Venezuela
Argentine judges, in their justification for the warrant, clearly stated that the existence of a systematic plan of repression, enforced disappearances, torture, murders, and persecution of part of the civilian population has been proven. These actions have occurred since at least 2014 and continue to this day. This warrant was issued in response to a complaint filed by the Argentine Forum for the Defence of Democracy (FADD), which cited the principle of universal jurisdiction. This principle allows the prosecution of crimes against humanity regardless of where they were committed.
Milei: Open support for the Venezuelan opposition
President Javier Milei, sworn in in December 2023, had previously criticised Maduro's socialist regime, calling him a dictator. From the beginning of his term, Milei has taken a firm stance against Caracas, not recognising the results of the July Venezuelan presidential elections. Under his leadership, Argentina has become a haven for the Venezuelan opposition, providing shelter to people fleeing repression in the country ruled by Maduro.
The conflict between Buenos Aires and Caracas continues to escalate.
