The Chilean Senate has unanimously approved a resolution urging President Gabriel Boric to file an international arrest warrant against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The initiative, driven by conservative senators, is based on allegations of crimes against humanity attributed to Maduro, which, according to the document, pose a threat to global peace and security.
The text approved by the Chilean Senate underscores the severity of the persecutions and human rights violations in Venezuela, affecting thousands of people, including children, especially after the presidential elections held on July 28, as reported by El Nacional. Senators emphasized that the suffering of the victims cannot be ignored and reiterated Chile's obligation, as a signatory to the Rome Statute, to pursue crimes against humanity.
The resolution was presented by Senators Felipe Kast of Political Evolution (Evópoli) and Francisco Chahuán of the National Renewal Party, with support from lawmakers across various political factions, including the Christian Social Party, the Green Regionalist Social Federation, and the Christian Democratic Party. The unanimous approval of the initiative highlights a broad consensus within the Chilean Senate on the need to act against the serious allegations facing Maduro's regime.
The Chilean Senate's project aligns with statements made by Chilean President Boric, who in early August declared that his government does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the winner of the Venezuelan presidential elections held on July 28, 2024. Boric expressed a firm rejection of the results, citing suspicions of electoral fraud and human rights violations in Venezuela. "I have no doubt that Maduro’s regime attempted electoral fraud. Otherwise, they would have presented the famous election certificates," stated Boric.
"Additionally, they are committing severe human rights violations, repressing protesters and initiating laughable criminal prosecutions that would not be acceptable in Chile or any other democratic country, against opposition leaders," added the Chilean president.
Chile's Senate Resolution Against Maduro: Key Questions Answered
To provide more clarity on the Chilean Senate's decision to call for an international arrest warrant against Nicolás Maduro, we have compiled some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Why did the Chilean Senate approve this resolution?
The resolution was approved to address allegations of crimes against humanity committed by Nicolás Maduro's regime, which pose a threat to global peace and security.
Who initiated the resolution in the Chilean Senate?
The resolution was initiated by Senators Felipe Kast from Political Evolution (Evópoli) and Francisco Chahuán from the National Renewal Party, with backing from multiple political parties.
What are the main allegations against Nicolás Maduro?
The main allegations include crimes against humanity, severe human rights violations, and electoral fraud during the Venezuelan presidential elections on July 28, 2024.
How does this resolution align with President Gabriel Boric’s stance?
President Boric has publicly stated that his government does not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate winner of the recent Venezuelan elections, citing suspicions of fraud and human rights violations.