Venezuela Demands U.S. Release Maduro 

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Foreign Minister of Venezuela, Yván Gil has formally demanded the release of Nicolás Maduro, describing his capture by U.S. forces as an “international kidnapping.” 

The Venezuelan government insists Maduro remains the legitimate head of state and views the U.S. operation as a flagrant violation of global law and national sovereignty.

The crisis began on January 3, 2026, when U.S. special forces captured Maduro and his wife in Caracas.

He is currently held in a New York federal prison on charges of “narcoterrorism” and weapons offenses. Maduro has pleaded not guilty, famously declaring himself a “prisoner of war” during his court appearance.

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez has taken steps to stabilize the country, recently passing a general amnesty bill. This move has led to the release of hundreds of political prisoners, including activist Javier Tarazona.

The administration frames these releases as a gesture of goodwill intended to promote national healing.

Minister Gil’s demand for Maduro’s freedom coincides with diplomatic efforts to reopen a U.S. mission in Caracas. The Venezuelan government maintains that the return of their leader is a non-negotiable prerequisite for normalizing relations.

They argue that “mutual respect” cannot exist while their president is in a foreign jail.

Global powers remain split over the detention; the U.S. and allies defend it as a strategic move against a “criminal regime,” while Russia and China condemn it. Opponents of the arrest argue that abducting a sitting president undermines the United Nations Charter and sets a dangerous international precedent.

In Venezuela, the military has pledged loyalty to interim President Rodríguez while thousands of citizens hold vigils for Maduro’s return. The situation remains volatile as the nation waits to see if a diplomatic “roadmap” can resolve the unprecedented standoff between Caracas and Washington.