A total of 33 Venezuelan soldiers They were demoted and expelled the armed forces because of their alleged connection with murder “conspiracies” denounced by authorities this week, a measure questioned by experts and in the crosshairs of the United States.
A statement identified one division general, two colonels, six lieutenant colonels, nine majors, two captains, six first lieutenants and seven sergeants by first and last name.
They were allegedly “involved in conspiracies through planning.” criminal and terrorist acts to attack the legitimate system of government, the authorities and institutions of the State and the Venezuelan people, even if one thinks about it, the assassination of the first president National, all of which constitute “treason to the Fatherland,” said Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino.
“These traitors who should never have worn and worn the military uniform (…), they are not worthy“Padrino said in a video published on his social networks: “These are groups that do not represent the armed forces at all.”
The most important pillar of the regime
The military They are the main support of the government by Nicolás Maduro and repeatedly reaffirmed their loyalty to him.
The military is the main pillar of Nicolás Maduro's government and has repeatedly reiterated its loyalty to him. Photo: EFEIn addition to checking weapons, they also check Mining, oil and food distribution companiesas well as customs and important ministries.
The opposition and NGOs denounce it Corruption networks they have enriched many officers.
Assassination: a repeated complaint
Murder allegations They are often found in Chavismo, that hits 25 years in power This year 2024 and its continuity are at stake in elections for which there is no date yet. Venezuelan prosecutors reported on Monday the arrest of 32 people, including civilians and military personnel, over these alleged plots and announced further arrests on Tuesday, without specifying a number.
They are all connected five suspected plots to assassinate Maduro According to Attorney General Tarek William Saab, who also denounced, the disclosure is expected to take place in 2023 and early this year Complicity of the Anti-Drug Agency (DEA) and the Secret Service (CIA) from the USA as well as actors from the USA Colombian army.
There are frequent reports of assassinations in Chavismo, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Photo: Yuri Cortez/AFPPadrino also agreed with these allegations.
“I tell the imperial sewers of the CIA, the DEA, Those who are here are also playing into the hands of the treacherous Venezuelans: we never tire of fighting,” he said in the video.
Rocío San Miguel, military expert and habitual government critic, detected irregularities in the act of humiliation and expulsion that took place in the Ministry's Court of Honor.
He explained that the measures were “ancillary penalties” to a main penalty and had to be public. “They are subject to judicial control and the provisions of the Organic Code of Military Justice must be adhered to,” he emphasized in a statement from his NGO Citizen Control.
“There are several aspects to this are unknown about these expulsions and demotions of military personnel”.
For its part, the United States was “deeply concerned” by the recent arrests, according to the White House were made with “not very credible” motives.
“The Arrests without due process “They violate the spirit of the October 2023 Election Roadmap Agreement,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Tuesday.
It refers to what was signed the opposition and the Venezuelan government in Barbados to celebrate the presidential elections in the second half of the year under international observation. In return, Washington eased a strict embargo on Venezuelan crude oil.
Venezuela “categorically” rejected this the “cynic” communicateseither. “The government of the United States of America has lost its moral compass” by “condemning Venezuela for taking measures (…) to maintain peace.”
“It is not surprising that Washington supports the architects of the failed terrorist operations in Venezuela and even grants them a position of complicity,” he added. “Defending these destabilizing actions encourages violence and endangers the normal course of the 2024 electoral process.”