The Cuban regime, a steadfast ally and dependent of Chavismo, today labeled opposition leader María Corina Machado a "liar" and accused her of attempting to "implicate the Cuban state in alleged practices of repression, espionage, persecution, and torture" in Venezuela.
A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cuba claims that the Venezuelan opposition is trying to mask its "failure" in the elections and "deceive public opinion with false and malicious accusations, aiming to involve the Cuban state in supposed repression, espionage, persecution, and torture in that country." The statement specifically rejects Machado's comments that accuse Havana of interference, manipulation, and inciting violence in Venezuela.
In an interview with León Krauze for the magazine Letras Libres, Machado stated that the Cuban regime's advisory role in repressive measures has long been known and documented by international and non-governmental organizations. As is customary in Cuban official discourse when discrediting inconvenient figures, Cuba accused Machado of receiving "millions of dollars from a U.S. lobbying group to fund her campaign and destabilize Venezuela."
"It is not Cuba that interferes—and never will—in the political and economic life of another country with sanctions, pressures, and regime change plans. It is not Cuba that launches a media campaign to undermine Venezuelan institutions, risking the lives of thousands and disregarding the will of the majority," the Cuban Foreign Ministry asserted.
The statement from Havana aims to bolster its long-time ally, the Chavista government headed by Nicolás Maduro, which is currently facing a credibility crisis following the allegations of electoral fraud in the presidential elections last July. The opposition, led by Machado, published voting records showing their candidate, Edmundo González, as the clear winner. However, Maduro was declared the victor, sparking a brutal crackdown that resulted in the deaths of more than twenty Venezuelans during massive protests accusing him of election theft.
The Chavista regime refused to provide evidence of its electoral victory, while the United Nations reported that the elections were riddled with irregularities.
Cuban Involvement in Venezuelan Affairs
This section addresses key questions about the Cuban regime's alleged involvement in Venezuelan political and social issues, based on the article's content.
What accusations did María Corina Machado make against the Cuban regime?
María Corina Machado accused the Cuban regime of repression, espionage, persecution, and torture in Venezuela, claiming their advisory role in these practices is well-documented.
How did the Cuban regime respond to Machado's accusations?
The Cuban regime called Machado a "liar" and accused her of making false and malicious accusations to disguise the Venezuelan opposition's electoral failures and deceive public opinion.
What has the United Nations said about the Venezuelan elections?
The United Nations reported that the Venezuelan elections were plagued with irregularities, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Nicolás Maduro's declared victory.