Lula calls for Maduro to be tried in Venezuela, not the US

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has stated that the trial of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro should take place in a Venezuelan court, rather than abroad. In an interview, Lula emphasized the importance of re-establishing democracy in Venezuela.

Lula’s comments come as Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, is working to release hundreds of individuals who were jailed during Maduro’s presidency, which began in 2013. The Brazilian leader has previously criticized the abduction of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in a military operation ordered by US President Donald Trump on January 3.

According to Lula, “what matters now is to re-establish democracy in Venezuela.” He added that “the fate of the Venezuelan president should be determined by the people of Venezuela, and not by foreign interference.”

Lula’s remarks are notable given his concerns about US involvement in Latin America. The Brazilian leader has cited a history of US-backed dictatorships in countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.

The US government has accused Maduro of planning to transport drugs to the US, alongside other charges. However, data from the US government shows that Venezuela is not among the world’s major drug producers. Trump administration officials have also claimed that Maduro and others are working with large-scale drug trafficking groups in Colombia and Mexico.

The Trump administration has maintained a military presence near Venezuela and imposed a maritime blockade on the country, citing efforts to combat drug trafficking. The US government has also expressed interest in exploiting Venezuela’s oil reserves, with President Trump inviting US oil companies to participate.

Source: Al Jazeera