Venezuela Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez demands US release Nicolás Maduro, calls him rightful leader
Image source: AFP
Caracas: Venezuela’s Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez on Saturday strongly condemned the United States over the detention of President Nicolás Maduro, demanding his immediate release and reaffirming him as the country’s “only legitimate president.” Her remarks came hours after US authorities confirmed that Mr. Maduro and his wife had been taken into custody and were being transported to New York to face prosecution under a long-standing Justice Department indictment.
Speaking in a televised address broadcast nationwide, Ms. Rodríguez accused Washington of violating Venezuela’s sovereignty and carrying out what she described as an illegal and politically motivated action. “We demand the immediate release of the only president of Venezuela, President Nicolás Maduro,” she said, asserting that the arrest amounted to an attack on the Venezuelan state itself.
According to US officials, Mr. Maduro and his wife were seized overnight from their residence located on a military base. They were later placed aboard a US warship and flown to New York, where Mr. Maduro is expected to be presented before a federal court. The US Justice Department has accused the Venezuelan leader of participating in a “narco-terrorism conspiracy,” alleging that he colluded with drug trafficking networks to destabilise the United States and fund illicit activities.
The indictment against Mr. Maduro is not new. US prosecutors first unveiled charges several years ago, accusing him and senior members of his government of turning Venezuela into a hub for cocaine trafficking. Successive US administrations have maintained that Mr. Maduro’s leadership is illegitimate, arguing that his re-election lacked credibility and democratic legitimacy. Washington has instead recognised opposition figures as Venezuela’s rightful representatives in the past.
Ms. Rodríguez, however, rejected these claims outright. In her speech, she described the US move as an “act of aggression” and warned that Venezuela would respond through diplomatic and political channels. She said the detention of Mr. Maduro would not weaken the Venezuelan government, but instead strengthen national unity. “The Venezuelan people will not accept foreign interference or the kidnapping of their president,” she said.
The development has sharply escalated tensions between Caracas and Washington, already strained by years of sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and mutual accusations. Venezuela’s allies, including some Latin American governments and political movements, are expected to weigh in on the issue, potentially turning the episode into a broader regional flashpoint.
International reactions are still emerging. While US officials have defended the action as part of an ongoing legal process, critics argue that arresting a sitting head of state risks setting a dangerous precedent. Analysts say the move could further complicate diplomatic efforts to address Venezuela’s political and economic crisis, which has already forced millions of citizens to flee the country.
Within Venezuela, the government has urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant. State media portrayed Mr. Maduro as a victim of imperial aggression, while opposition groups have remained largely cautious, aware of the volatile political climate.
The coming days are expected to be critical, as legal proceedings begin in the United States and diplomatic responses unfold across the region. Whether the arrest leads to negotiations, retaliatory measures, or deeper confrontation remains uncertain, but it has undoubtedly marked a dramatic new chapter in the long-running standoff between Venezuela and the United States.
Our Final Thoughts
The detention of Nicolás Maduro represents a turning point in US–Venezuela relations, pushing an already tense standoff into uncharted territory. While Washington frames the move as a legal action based on long-standing charges, Caracas sees it as a direct assault on its sovereignty and leadership. Beyond the legal arguments, the episode raises serious questions about international norms, the treatment of sitting heads of state, and the potential consequences for regional stability. As reactions unfold globally, the situation underscores how unresolved political conflicts can suddenly escalate, reshaping diplomatic equations far beyond national borders.
With inputs from AP, AFP