Read our editorial on opposing war with Venezuela here, and a feature article on the history of US imperialism in Venezuela here.
A federal judge in New York City set the start date for kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s trial for June 1, 2027.
The US government is charging Maduro with narcoterrorism and drug trafficking, alleging that he facilitated the flow of cocaine into the US. His wife, First Lady Cilia Flores, whom the US imperialists also abducted on January 3, is facing similar charges.
Maduro and Flores’s connection to drug smuggling through the so-called “Cartel de los Soles” has previously been debunked by the Drug Enforcement Administration as a CIA Fabrication.
US imperialism has accused Maduro of rigging elections for over a decade and is now using this allegation as a legal argument for denying Maduro diplomatic immunity, claiming he is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
At his last court appearance in March, Maduro’s defense argued that the case should be dropped, since the US Treasury Department has blocked funds from the Venezuelan government to pay for Maduro’s attorneys.
The defense has since dropped the motion to dismiss the case on these grounds.
Maduro and Flores continue to be held in a Brooklyn federal detention facility. The couple maintains their innocence.
Outside the courtroom, protesters held signs reading “Free President Maduro.” One protester on a megaphone described the proceedings as a “sham trial.”
Capitulation to US Imperialism Continues
Venezuela’s sell-out government headed by Delcy Rodríguez has deepened its collaboration and subordination to US imperialism as the US increases its plunder of the oppressed nation.
On July 11, The New York Times wrote an article titled “How Marco Rubio is Running Venezuela From Afar” in which it describes how US Secretary of State Rubio “now effectively controls Venezuela’s finances, the distribution of its natural resources and its government.” The article states that Rubio operates the country remotely, “keeping in close contact with Delcy Rodríguez.”
The standard of living for the Venezuelan people continues to decline as the Rodríguez government’s capitulation to US imperialism intensifies.
Oil production in Venezuela is up 20% compared to this time last year, now at 1.2 million barrels per day. The revenue from this increased oil production goes into a New York-based bank account run by KPMG, one of the largest financial monopolies in the world. A paltry $300 million went back to Venezuela during the first two months after Maduro’s abduction.
Venezuela’s monthly inflation rate hit 6.3% in May, and the country’s currency has lost 80% of its value in the last year.
US imperialism has also hypocritically suspended elections in Venezuela, stating that once the economy has “stabilized,” elections can resume.
Earthquakes devastated Venezuela in June, killing over 5,000 people, including more than 100 workers deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). First responders on the ground have alleged that the government’s bureaucratic handling of the response has obstructed rescue operations.
Venezuelans have continued their protest against the semi-colonial regime. In an appearance at a destroyed apartment building following the earthquakes, Rodríguez was booed. One resident told media, “We don’t need the government; they never served us. They only destroyed us.” In late July, union members marched in the capital, Caracas, demanding better working conditions and presidential elections.
Image: Nicolás Maduro at a Human Right Council special meeting in 2015. Credit: Jess Hoffman, UN Photo.
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