Venezuela: Resistance or disintegration?

[jhonny]

I would have grabbed him by his ear, walked him to the door, then kicked his rear-end out of it. WITH the cameras rolling!

Actually the interview lasted too long! Maduro had a lot of patience with this guy, who is called journalist

 

[angelburst29]

Where ever this woman shows up, she intensifies the problems. I sense, she's on the US payroll and promotes their agenda. She's not neutral or independent, by any means. The U.N. really needs to do a re-evaluation on her. I suspect, she is being sent in to create more problems for Maduro.

U.N. rights boss Bachelet to meet Maduro, Guaido in Venezuela: U.N.

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will visit Venezuela from June 19-21 and hold separate talks with both President Nicolas Maduro and his arch foe, National Assembly chief Juan Guaido, a statement said.

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will visit Venezuela from June 19-21 and hold separate talks with both President Nicolas Maduro and his arch foe, National Assembly chief Juan Guaido, a statement said.

Bachelet, in a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council in March, said Venezuelan security forces backed by pro-government militias, has quashed peaceful protests with excessive use of force, killings and torture.

Her visit, at government invitation, comes ahead of the U.N. Human Rights Council opening a three-week session on June 24. Western states are expected to criticize Maduro’s government for alleged excessive use of force and mismanagement that has led to chronic shortages of food and medicine.

 

[thorbiorn]

On RT there was this article: Venezuela the latest victim of West’s ‘virus-like’ black ops – Russian intel chief

Western secret services are perfecting clandestine tools which are designed to weaken countries like viruses weaken bodies, the Russian foreign intelligence chief has said. This kind of warfare is currently used in Venezuela.
The criticism came from Sergey Naryshkin, who heads Russia’s foreign intelligence agency SVR. He said spies are constantly improving the tool used to dispose of governments that the West does not like.

“We are talking about creating a universal algorithm for conducting clandestine influence operations in a continuous manner and on a global scale,” he said. According to the official, this clandestine work "never stops and targets not only enemies, but also friends and neutral powers in the times of peace, crisis and war.”

It can be compared to the action of a virus; it can spend decades destroying a human organism without symptoms, and once diagnosed, often it’s too late to treat it.

The methods used to influence and destabilize other nations include creating network-oriented structures that can operate on a premise of public activism, art, science, religion or extremism, the Russian official said. After collecting data on the fault lines in a targeted society, those structures are used to attack those weak points in a synchronized assault, overwhelming the nation’s capability to respond to crises.

Simultaneously the perpetrators push a narrative through local and global media and social networks that claims that the only way to resolve problems is to replace the government of the victim nation with another one, possibly with a direct foreign support.

“We can observe this scenario being implemented in Venezuela,” Naryshkin said.

The US is currently trying to replace Venezuela’s elected President Nicolas Maduro with another person, Juan Guaido, whom Washington recognized as the legitimate head of the South American nation.

Among others, the US backs his bid with economic sanctions against Venezuela and a massive diplomatic and media campaign in support of the pretender. Guaido’s attempts to actually seize power in Caracas have been futile, so far.

The Russian intelligence chief was speaking at an international security forum in Ufa, Russia, which is hosted by the Russian National Security Council. The event is meant for officials directly involved in policy making on security issues. Almost 120 nations are participating in this year’s gathering.

 

[angelburst29]

The Guaido charade has now back fired on Pence, Bolton and Pompeo. Guaido is finished!

About two months ago, Colombian Intelligence had opened up an investigation on Guaido and his cohorts. The corruption is on a grand scale with misappropriation of funds and donated food aid. The trucks loaded with food - rotted and had to be burned. They went on a spending spree with funds that were collected from Branson's Concert. Money that was promised to the soldiers that defected and slipped through the border to Colombia - never materialized.

Monday, Guaido had held a press conference and tried to play down the leaks on corruption. This first article is on the press conference. The second link is to a rather long article by the investigative site - Grayzone - and goes into details on the corruption. The whole situation is a total MESS!

Monday June 17, 2019 - Venezuela's Guaidó grapples with case of alleged corruption
Venezuela's Guaidó grapples with case of alleged corruption

Venezuela's opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim President Juan Guaido speaks to journalists during a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, June 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Photo Credit: APColombia

CARACAS, Venezuela - Venezuela's U.S.-backed opposition on Monday came under increasing scrutiny for a case in which two activists allegedly misappropriated funds designated to help Venezuelan security forces who deserted and crossed into Colombia.

Opposition leader Juan Guaidó said his diplomatic representative in Colombia will on Tuesday provide Colombian investigators with information about an opposition probe of the case. Guaidó, who is trying to topple Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, says anyone found guilty of wrongdoing must be punished.

"Dictatorships cover up corruption," Guaidó tweeted. "We don't."

Venezuela's opposition leader and self-proclaimed interim President Juan Guaido gives a press conference in Caracas, Venezuela, Monday, June 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) Photo Credit: AP

June 17, 2019 - From coup leaders to con artists: Juan Guaidó's gang exposed for massive humanitarian aid fraud
From coup leaders to con artists: Juan Guaidó’s gang exposed for massive humanitarian aid fraud

Quote from article:

Now, a report by the staunchly anti-Maduro PanAm Post editor-in-chief Orlando Avendaño has revealed a shocking scheme of fraud and embezzlement behind the aid imbroglio. According to Avendaño, Guaidó’s lieutenants embezzled huge sums of money that had been promised to Venezuelan soldiers who deserted their positions and snuck across to the Colombian side at Guaidó’s urging.

The cash that was used to entice desperate soldiers and would-be mercenaries to defect became a slush fund for the US-backed coup leader and his gaggle, who spent it lavishly on hotels, expensive dinners, nightclubs and designer clothes. As Guaidó’s gang lived the high life, he covered for their fraud, keeping his lips sealed until it was exposed through a leak by the Colombian intelligence services.

But the revelations of fraud are a new level of embarrassment for the Guaidó coup operation, and threaten to undercut support both inside Venezuela and from his foreign patrons. The fraud scheme was revealed through leaked receipts and documents obtained by Colombian intelligence as part of an ongoing investigation. The receipts Avendaño published show Guaidó’s representatives blew more than $125,000 on luxury goods and personal expenses, including nearly $40,000 on expenses in April. Avendaño has yet to publish all of the documents he received, so the total that was stolen remains unknown.

 

[angelburst29]

Where ever this woman shows up, she intensifies the problems. I sense, she's on the US payroll and promotes their agenda. She's not neutral or independent, by any means. The U.N. really needs to do a re-evaluation on her. I suspect, she is being sent in to create more problems for Maduro.

U.N. rights boss Bachelet to meet Maduro, Guaido in Venezuela: U.N.

U.N. rights boss Bachelet to meet Maduro, Guaido in Venezuela: U.N.

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will visit Venezuela from June 19-21 and hold separate talks with both President Nicolas Maduro and his arch foe, National Assembly chief Juan Guaido, a statement said.

U.N. rights chief Bachelet urges Venezuela to release prisoners

U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Friday urged Venezuela's government to release prisoners who were arrested for peacefully protesting, and confirmed a delegation would remain in the country to monitor the human rights situation.


Jun 20 2019 - Venezuela’s Maduro Says Plot to Kill Him Cost $20mln

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro stated that foreign backers financed the failed attempt on his life last Summer to the tune of $20 million, which he says was distributed to opposition members in neighboring Colombia.

“The plan to kill me that was executed in August cost several million, there is talk of 20 million dollars,” Maduro told the Bolivarian Army Academy on Tuesday at an event televised on state media, World News reported.

The Venezuelan president thanked the military and intelligence services for warding off the attack and commended them for bravery, adding they “saved the peace of the republic”.

The plan required foreign funding - in dollars - he stated, and singled out Julio Borges, a well-know figure among opposition, as the principle author of the plot.

Earlier this year, Maduro suggested in an interview with Russian outlet RIA Novosti that US President Donald Trump personally gave the order to have him killed, but provided no evidence to support the claim.

Two explosive-laden drones detonated over a crowd in Caracas in early August 2018 as Maduro addressed the Bolivarian National Guard. The incident was deemed an assassination attempt and a number of opposition figures were arrested in response.

Jun 20 2019 - White House Says US Meddling in Venezuela Not Limited to ‘One Round’ (Article based on a WaPo report?)
The United States continues to support the ouster of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, despite the opposition finding less and less support among the Venezuelan people, an anonymous White House official announced.

The effectiveness of, and support for, Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido appears to be on the decline. However, the United States is not going to give up easily on its plan to oust Maduro and might be preparing another “round”, an anonymous White House official said in a comment to The Washington Post.

“The United States never said that its effort in Venezuela would be limited to one round,” the official stated, adding, “The administration’s maximum-pressure policy relies upon consistency and discipline to achieve the ultimate goal.”

The official commented on rumors floated by another - now former - White House staffer, who announced that President Donald Trump had become increasingly frustrated over the administration’s failure to orchestrate a regime change in Caracas.

According to the former employee, after Guaido’s late April coup attempt failed, Trump “chewed out the staff” in a meeting shortly after. The official noted that Trump viewed Venezuela as “low-hanging fruit”, on which he “could get a win and tout it as a major foreign policy” victory.

However, the WaPo’s interlocutor sought to dispel the allegations, calling the chewing-out reports “patently false”.

His words were supported by the White House National Security Advisor John Bolton, who tweets more about Venezuela than any other topic, according to The Washington Post.

“The United States will continue to stand firmly in support of ending Maduro’s repression”, Bolton wrote on Tuesday.

Speaking to Venezuelan Americans in Miami earlier this week, US Vice President Mike Pence reiterated that the Trump administration’s objective was “to see democracy and the rule of law restored in Venezuela so Venezuelans can go home to a free nation”.

 

[angelburst29]

Is anyone able to verify this information? The first article is from Press TV - who are quoting info from the Reuters news agency. I question the information because the UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet just visited Maduro and Guaido and she leans towards pro-US agenda and trouble always follows her. I'm of the opinion, her visit is to promote false Human Rights claims against Maduro.

6 military, police officials arrested in Venezuela: Report
PressTV-‘6 military, police officials arrested in Venezuela’

The file photo, taken on May 16, 2019, shows members of Venezuelan intelligence services standing guard outside the house of the Venezuelan former police commissioner in Caracas. (AFP)

Sun Jun 23, 2019 -Reports from Venezuela have suggested that six high-ranking police and military officials have been arrested with no immediate confirmation available from the government.

The Reuters news agency said on Sunday that authorities had arrested an air force general and a senior navy commander over the weekend, identifying them as Miguel Sisco Mora and Rafael Costa, respectively.

The report cited members of the family of the two military officials as saying that the arrests had happened on Friday in areas east of the capital Caracas.

Human rights sources also said that two retired air force colonels and two high ranking officials from Venezuela’s CICPC forensic police unit had been arrested in Caracas on Friday afternoon.

Venezuela’s Information Ministry declined to comment on the arrests while there was no confirmation from the Chief Prosecutor’s office.

The arrests, if confirmed, comes amid a political standoff in Venezuela between supporters of President Nicolas Maduro and followers of opposition leader Juan Guaido,

Venezuela detains six military, police officials: family members, activists
Venezuelan authorities have arrested six members of the country's military and police forces over the weekend, according to relatives of the detainees and human rights activists, as President Nicolas Maduro seeks to weed out dissent.

Air Force Brigade General Miguel Sisco Mora was arrested Friday afternoon in a parking lot in Guatire, some 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the capital Caracas, his daughter Stephanie Sisco said. Navy Corvette Captain Rafael Costa was detained on Friday in nearby Guarenas, according to his wife Waleska Perez.

“We demand that the government provide us with information about his whereabouts,” Stephanie Sisco wrote on Twitter on Saturday.

The arrests come nearly two months after a failed uprising against Maduro called by opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly who in January invoked the constitution to assume a rival interim presidency and has called on the armed forces to join his cause.

They also come on the heels of a visit to Venezuela by U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, who on Friday called on Maduro to release prisoners arrested for peacefully protesting. Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been widely denounced as illegitimate, said he would take the U.N.’s concerns seriously.

Human rights group Penal Forum had previously said that two retired Air Force colonels had been arrested in Caracas on Friday afternoon while two high ranking officials from Venezuela’s CICPC forensic police unit were arrested in Guatire, according to human rights lawyer Tamara Suju.

Neither Venezuela’s Information Ministry nor the Chief Prosecutor’s office responded to requests for comment on the six detentions on Sunday.

According to Penal Forum, some 700 people are detained for political reasons in Venezuela, including about 100 members of the military.

Maduro’s government has denied it holds political prisoners, and frequently accuses the opposition of fomenting violence. Maduro refers to Guaido as a puppet of the United States seeking to oust him in a coup.

 

[angelburst29]

6 military, police officials arrested in Venezuela: Report
PressTV-‘6 military, police officials arrested in Venezuela’

I'm still unable to locate any more information on that report? Nothing.

Russian air force plane lands in Venezuela: witness, website

A Russian air force plane landed on Monday in Venezuela's main airport, according to a Reuters witness and a website that tracks plane movements, three months after a similar arrival spurred a war of words between Washington and Moscow.

Russia says military plane in Venezuela to service equipment: Ifax

A Russian air force plane that landed in Venezuela is there to service Russian military equipment already in the country, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday, according to the Interfax news agency.

Trump committed to campaign to oust Venezuela's Maduro: U.S. envoy

President Donald Trump is still committed to a pressure campaign to force Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step aside to make way for opposition leader Juan Guaido, Washington's envoy for Venezuela said on Tuesday.

 

[mabar]

Is anyone able to verify this information? The first article is from Press TV - who are quoting info from the Reuters news agency. I question the information because the UN Human Rights Chief Michelle Bachelet just visited Maduro and Guaido and she leans towards pro-US agenda and trouble always follows her. I'm of the opinion, her visit is to promote false Human Rights claims against Maduro.

Reuters (and so others) based it's report on complaints from the 2 -so far-relatives on twitter, I have not been able to find more information, though

I get the impression that she's reading and sometimes frowning as she reads, looks like being ...acted out, I guess, being the daughter of a militar she has learned to suppress her emotions, yet there's something there that doesn't fit me

https://twitter.com/x/status/1142970727466983425

#Venezuela. Forced Disappearance #SEBIN #DGCIM she is the daughter of commissioner (R) of the CICPC JOSE VALLADARES, who was kidnapped x intelligence agencies on Friday 21Jun and nothing is known about him. Where is Nicolas? Hernandez Dala? Reverol? Gonzalez Lopez? William Saab? --using deepl.com

https://twitter.com/x/status/1142599505487024128

Parking at CC Buena Ventura Vista Place in Guatire at 4:30 PM yesterday, June 21. Place, date and time of when this regime kidnaps my dad, Brigadier General Miguel Sisco Mora! We don't know his physical condition and location! Spread! --using deepl.com

 

[angelburst29]

#Venezuela. Forced Disappearance #SEBIN #DGCIM she is the daughter of commissioner (R) of the CICPC JOSE VALLADARES, who was kidnapped x intelligence agencies on Friday 21Jun and nothing is known about him. Where is Nicolas? Hernandez Dala? Reverol? Gonzalez Lopez? William Saab? --using deepl.com

Thanks for finding additional information, Mabar!

The disappearances may have something to do with this - a report from Russian News Agency TASS:

Venezuelan authorities thwart another coup attempt - Minister
Venezuelan authorities thwart another coup attempt — minister

MOSCOW, June 26, 2019 - The Venezuelan authorities have thwarted another attempt to stage a coup, Minister of Communications and Information Jorge Rodriguez said on Wednesday.

"We have video recordings that serve as evidence that weapons and money were transferred [for the aim of staging a coup]," Rodriguez told a press conference broadcast by the Telesur TV channel.

Rodriguez said that conspirators planned to seize ammunition depots and a military airport in Caracas, then release former Defense Minister Raul Baduel from prison. Baduel was sentenced to a lengthy term in prison for corruption. Conspirators planned to proclaim Baduel as Venezuela's president.


Cuba backs Maduro and has had to deal with US pressure. Russia's keeping tabs on things.

Jun 25 2019 - Russian Frigate Arrives in Cuba Under Watchful Eye of US Navy

A Russian Navy frigate armed with cruise missiles arrived in Havana Harbor for an official visit. As Russian seamen stretch their legs on shore, US warships idle nearby and quietly observe their counterparts.

The frigate Admiral Gorshkov, armed with Kalibr missiles, left the Russian port of Severomorsk in late February for its months-long voyage, making stops in China, Djibouti and Sri Lanka before docking in Cuba on Monday. It is accompanied by several support vessels, RT reported.

The crew are expected to “carry out a program of activities that includes courtesy visits to the chief of the [Cuban] Revolutionary Navy, as well as touring places of historical and cultural interest”, according to Cuban state media.

As the Russians sailed into port, American warships loomed along Cuba’s coast, with the guided missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham keeping the closest watch just a few miles away.

The Admiral Gorshkov made headlines when it passed by Northern Scotland in March, with hysterical media reports that the ship carried a “hallucination weapon” on board, a reference to the 5P-42 Filin “electro-optic countermeasure” device now equipped on the warships of her class.

The Russian missile frigate’s visit to Havana is sure to stoke anxieties in Washington, especially as President Donald Trump’s White House continues to wrangle with Moscow over missile defense and arms reduction agreements such as the INF treaty or the New START deal.

 

[angelburst29]

Venezuela's Maduro says authorities foiled opposition coup plot

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on Wednesday security forces had foiled an opposition coup attempt that included plans to assassinate him and other top political figures and install a jailed former military officer as president.

“We have revealed, dismantled and captured a fascist band of terrorists that planned a coup against Venezuelan society and Venezuelan democracy,” said Maduro in an evening broadcast.

“They are captured, behind bars, with clear evidence after following this group of criminals and fascists.”

The plan allegedly involved an attack on the headquarters of the Sebin intelligence agency to release General Raul Baduel, a former defense minister who was arrested on corruption accusations in 2009 after falling out with the Socialist Party.

Maduro said the plan involved Guaido as well as political leaders from Chile, Colombia and the United States.

 

[angelburst29]

Latin American leaders will seek to increase pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and further isolate the embattled leader when the Organization of American States (OAS) begins two days of meetings on Thursday in Medellin, Colombia.

OAS seeks to increase pressure on Venezuela's Maduro at meeting

FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro waves during his visit to a packing center of the CLAP (Local Committees of Supply and Production) program, a Venezuelan government handout of basic food supplies, in Caracas, Venezuela May 28, 2019. Miraflores Palace

The organization will also debate eventual sanctions on the oil-producing country, OAS secretary Luis Almagro said late on Wednesday, without giving further details.

Most of the 35 OAS members back Maduro's rival Juan Guaido, the head of the opposition-controlled National Assembly. Guaido in January invoked the constitution to assume a rival interim presidency after rejecting the 2018 election due to massive irregularities.

But some countries still back Maduro or regularly abstain from votes on Venezuela and may prevent the body from reaching a consensus resolution.

“We need to keep working on an incremental process of pressure and this meeting is part of that process,” Almagro told journalists. “But we also recognize that every country has a sovereign right they can use on any of the items on the agenda.”

 

[angelburst29]

Uruguay on Thursday withdrew from a meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS) being held in Medellin, Colombia, in protest of the presence of what it said was an illegitimate delegation from Venezuela.

Uruguay withdraws from OAS meeting over Venezuela opposition delegation
The incident, on the first of two days of meetings, laid bare a lack of consensus in the organization over whether to increase pressure on embattled Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who is backed by some member states but called a dictator by others.

“Uruguay considers this an attempt to impose the recognition of this delegation as legitimate representatives of Venezuela - it is no more and no less than a subjugation of the legality of the OAS,” Uruguay’s vice foreign minister Ariel Bergamino said during the meeting. “There is no other choice but to be against an act of this nature.”

“We are withdrawing from this meeting but not from the OAS,” Bergamino added.

Mexico said the credentials presented by the opposition delegation did not meet the necessary standards for admittance, while Bolivia said it reserved the right not to recognize resolutions approved while the delegation is present.

Trump administration targets Maduro's son 'Nicolasito' with sanctions

The Trump administration turned up the pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday by targeting his son Nicolas "Nicolasito" Maduro with sanctions, the U.S. Treasury Department said.

Jun 27 2019 - Venezuela Foils New Coup Attempt, Maduro Assassination Plot

Venezuelan intelligence announced it has foiled an assassination attempt against President Nicolas Maduro, which envisioned a group of rogue officers storming the presidential palace and installing an imprisoned general in his stead.

The plot by current and former military officers involved breaking retiring General Raul Isaias Baduel out from maximum security prison in Fuerte Tiuna, where he is kept since 2017 for wanting to overthrow the government, and seizing state-run Venezolana de Televisió where he would be pronounced president, World News reported.

Intelligence agencies stated that they had been unraveling the plot for 14 months.

The main part of the plan that was scheduled for June 23-24, involved assassinating Maduro and leader of the National Constituent Assembly Diosdado Cabello, while seizing the Miraflores Presidential Palace as well as the Carlota military base in Caracas.

140,000 seized cartridges for machine guns and several combat groups were predetermined to be used to capture president Nicolas Maduro,” Minister of Communications and Culture Jorge Rodriguez told the nation on Wednesday, announcing the arrests of conspirators.

Rodriguez added that he believes Colombian President Ivan Duque and Chilean President Sebastian Pinera provided financing and other support for the plot, which was allegedly endorsed by US National Security Advisor John Bolton.

“We have revealed, dismantled and captured a fascist band of terrorists that planned a coup against Venezuelan society and Venezuelan democracy,” Maduro said in a Wednesday evening broadcast, adding, “They are captured, behind bars, with clear evidence after following this group of criminals and fascists.”

 

[angelburst29]

Mint Press has published "a more detailed account of the planned assassination of President Maduro" and provides a short video clip.

Venezuelan Government Claims New Coup, Maduro Assassination Plot Foiled
Venezuela Gov't Claims New Coup, Maduro Assassination Plot Foiled

June 28th, 2019 - The Venezuelan government has reportedly dismantled a plan to stage a violent putsch in recent days.
Communications Minister Jorge Rodriguez revealed on Wednesday that a large scale plan was set to be executed on June 23 or 24. The operation allegedly included the assassination of President Nicolas Maduro, National Constituent Assembly President Diosdado Cabello, and other high-ranking officials.

Maduro condemned the latest plot, accusing the opposition of looking to seize power through a “bloodbath.”

"They talked about a killing spree that could last two or three days", Maduro said during a televised event. “How can a better country emerge from all that death?” he asked.

Venezuelan authorities claim to be in possession of 56 hours of intercepted communications, as well as confessions from several accused plotters who have been arrested. Among those detained are former officers from Venezuela’s special investigative police force, the CICPC, and the dissolved Metropolitan Police, as well as active and retired military officers. Several other alleged conspirators remain at large. Venezuela’s Attorney General Tarek William Saab likewise announced on Thursday that an investigation has been opened.

Rodriguez explained that the plans had been monitored and infiltrated by Venezuelan intelligence for over 14 months and identified retired Brigadier General Eduardo Jose Baez Torrealba, currently living in the Dominican Republic, as one of the main organizers. He added that Venezuela would formally request his extradition. Baez had been linked to prior coup attempts, including what were alleged to be leaked plans to bomb former President Chávez’s presidential plane and take over Miraflores Palace.

According to recorded conversations among the alleged perpetrators, the putsch involved seizing several arms depots, including one in the Venezuelan Central Bank, as well as storming La Carlota airbase in east Caracas and other military/police facilities, before advancing on Miraflores.

Several intercepted communications divulged during Rodriguez’s press conference show the alleged perpetrators discussing the importance of killing Maduro to quell possible resistance, as well as gain notoriety before an international audience.

"The first goal is to capture (Maduro). And have the world see it, (...), so that the message is clear, this son of a bitch is done",
ex-airforce General Miguel Carmelo Sisco is seen telling other alleged conspirators in one of the videos.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1143951001164161031

Last August, President Maduro was the victim of a failed assassination attempt involving a drone laden with explosives, which was perpetrated by Venezuelan army defectors based in Colombia.

Parallel plans would involve shutting off access to Caracas and neutralizing possible resistance. One of the videos released by the Venezuelan government showed the alleged perpetrators discussing the placement of snipers to target crowds that might mobilize against the coup. Rodriguez likewise claimed that foreign mercenary groups could be brought in

Another key component of the supposed plot was the release of former General Raul Baduel, currently imprisoned in the Helicoide headquarters of the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN), to lead the operations. A former defense minister, Baduel was sentenced to 8 years in prison in 2010 on corruption charges. Having been released on parole in 2015, he was arrested again in 2017 for his alleged involvement in plotting terrorist actions.

Rodriguez also told press that 140,000 gun shells and other material was seized, while pledging that more information would be released as the investigations and prosecutions progress. Some of the published footage additionally shows the alleged conspirators discussing contact with self-proclaimed “Interim President” Juan Guaido, despite expressing doubts about his leadership.

Guaido and his supporters staged a failed putsch on April 30. Hardline opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez escaped house arrest, having been convicted for his role in the violent 2014 street protests, to join Guaido and a handful of renegade soldiers outside La Carlota airbase. However, calls for more military personnel to join the coup effort went unheeded, with the putsch fizzling out after a Guaido-led march was stopped from approaching the center of Caracas and Lopez sought refuge in a foreign embassy.

I tend to get an uneasy feeling when I notice U.N. Human Right's Chief Bachelet make a personal appearance, especially when there is a heavy conflict going on. Generally, after one of her visits, I'll notice news reports claiming abuse, of one form or another. Her recent visit to Venezuela follows the same pattern. Bachelet's investigation should be conducted without taking sides but she is anything but "neutral" and has a history of supporting the Western/US agenda.

With additional data coming in - supporting another plot to assassinate Maduro and stage a bloody Coup, I find the timing of Bachelet's visit very suspicious? I am - in NO way - suggesting that she may have been aware of this planned assassination/Coup but that she may have been "directed" by someone higher at the U.N.? Bachelet's visit was on June 19-21st. The uncovered Coup was being planned for June 23-24. Starting on June 24th, the U.N. Human Rights Council was scheduled to open a three week session, in which it is stated, "Western states are expected to criticize Maduro's government, etc.

I envision, had the planned assassination and Coup gone ahead with their plans, the U.N. Human Right's council had Bachelet to side with the US - to denounce Maduro and his government - same scenario of what happened in Libya with Maummar Qaddafi and the smear campaign that followed?

U.N. rights boss Bachelet to meet Maduro, Guaido in Venezuela: U.N.


U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet will visit from June 19-21 and hold separate talks with both President Nicolas Maduro and his arch foe, National Assembly chief Juan Guaido, a statement said.

Bachelet, in a speech to the U.N. Human Rights Council in March, said Venezuelan security forces backed by pro-government militias, has quashed peaceful protests with excessive use of force, killings and torture.

Her visit, at government invitation, comes ahead of the U.N. Human Rights Council opening a three-week session on June 24. Western states are expected to criticize Maduro's government for alleged excessive use of force and mismanagement that has led to chronic shortages of food and medicine.

Venezuela deports 59 Colombians arrested 'arbitrarily' three years ago: U.N.
.
Venezuela's government on Saturday deported 59 Colombian citizens who had been "arbitrarily" detained there almost three years ago, the United Nations human rights office said, applauding it as a "positive sign."

Venezuela confirms death of detained officer, his wife says he was tortured (Checking for confirmation and validity?)
CARACAS - Venezuela's defense ministry on Sunday confirmed the death of a military officer who opposition leaders and family members said was tortured in custody after his detention over alleged involvement in a coup plot against President Nicolas Maduro.

The death of navy captain Rafael Acosta came on the heels of a visit by the United Nation’s human rights chief Michelle Bachelet to investigate rights violations ranging from extrajudicial killings to forced disappearances.

Maduro last week said military officers, with the support of opposition politicians and foreign political leaders, had plotted to overthrow his government.

Acosta was taken to a military tribunal on June 28 but he fainted before the hearing could begin, the defense ministry said in a brief statement on Sunday, leading the judge in the case to transfer him to a military hospital.

“Despite providing him with the appropriate medical attention, he died,” the statement said.

The U.S. State Department accused Maduro’s government of torturing Acosta to death.

“This is not the first time the Maduro regime has used violence against its political prisoners,” State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus said in a statement.

“The United States calls on the democracies of the world to join us in condemning this latest violation of human rights and in applying pressure to achieve accountability against the aggressors.”

Acosta was barely conscious in a court hearing on Friday after having been beaten and tortured, his wife Waleska Perez said in an interview with a Miami television station, based on information she said she received from Acosta’s defense counsel.

“They tortured him so much that they killed him,” Perez said in an interview with EVTV Miami from Colombia.

The information ministry and the state prosecutor’s office on Saturday night both issued statements about Acosta’s death, but neither described the cause of death.

The information ministry did not immediately respond to an email asking whether or not Acosta had been tortured.

Venezuela’s security forces have come under increasing scrutiny for arbitrary detentions, inhumane conditions of detainees and inadequate investigation of torture allegations.

Political leaders and rights groups last year accused authorities of torturing opposition politician Fernando Alban and throwing him from a window after he was detained in connection with an attack on Maduro. The government called his death a suicide.

Maduro says the country is unfairly targeted for criticism by foreign governments, and insists that his administration investigates and prosecutes human rights abusers.

Former intelligence chief Manuel Christopher, who joined a failed April 30 uprising against Maduro and later fled the country, in a letter on Sunday called on military commanders to “join the side of those in need and stop crossing your arms while our people and our soldiers are killed and tortured.”

Christopher was deputy director of military intelligence agency DGCIM until last year. Acosta’s family and human rights advocates accuse the DGCIM of having tortured Acosta, and the group is described by local rights organization Provea as the state security agency most involved in torture in 2018.

A phone number listed on DGCIM’s website was not functioning. The defense ministry, which oversees DGCIM, did not respond to an email seeking comment.

The ruling Socialist Party has overseen a devastating economic collapse of a once-prosperous nation. Maduro says the country’s problems are caused by sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.

Opposition leader Juan Guaido, who in January invoked the constitution to assume a rival interim presidency, said Acosta was murdered and that was further evidence that Maduro’s allies refuse to heed demands for a change of government. “Do they not hear? From the grave, from basements where people are being tortured, the people (are calling for) a change,” said Guaido in remarks broadcast over the internet.

 

[angelburst29]

Venezuela confirms death of detained officer, his wife says he was tortured (Checking for confirmation and validity?)

Venezuela charges two intelligence officials over death of detained officer

Venezuela has charged two intelligence officials with homicide over the death of a navy captain who had been in military custody, the country's chief prosecutor said on Monday, following outrage over alleged torture of the deceased officer.

President Nicolas Maduro’s government over the weekend confirmed the death on June 29 of Rafael Acosta, arrested eight days earlier for alleged participation in a coup plot, without providing details on the cause of death.

Acosta’s wife and rights groups accuse Maduro’s government of torturing Acosta to death and refusing to clarify the circumstances. United Nations human rights chief Michelle Bachelet on Monday said she was “shocked” by the torture allegations.

Chief Prosecutor Tarek Saab said two officials working for military intelligence agency DGCIM had been charged with homicide in Acosta’s death, without making reference to torture or explaining how Acosta was killed.

“Two officials working for the (DGCIM) have been linked to this regrettable incident,” Saab wrote on Twitter. The two officials are a sergeant and a captain of the National Guard, who were aiding the DGCIM, he said.


Both Bachelet and a lawyer for Acosta’s family have said that charging individuals with homicide was not sufficient and that high-level officials should be held to account.

Wife of deceased Venezuela navy captain demands U.N. probe

The wife of a Venezuelan navy captain who died after being detained on conspiracy accusations said on Monday the United Nations should investigate the cause of his death, amid widespread accusations he was tortured to death.

Disappointed Venezuelans lose patience with Guaido as Maduro hangs on

Four days before Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido launched a military uprising in a bid to oust President Nicolas Maduro, he told supporters at a rally outside the capital, Caracas: "In the next few days, we'll decide our destiny."

 

[Galaxia2002]

I just to comment that I have noted lately that people at least in the capital is ignoring this Guaido/Maduro struggle. It is like tiredness of this situation because there is a sensation that this is a problem that can't be resolved but the big powers out of control of the population. Kind of learned helplessness.

There is less scarcity of food products and products in general, there are almost no lines as before, but to buy bread. But prices are high because are at the international rate exchange and the dollar is becoming part of the street money. I am surprised to see "poor" people paying with dollars.

The payment for building services is becoming a difficult problem in some residences as they are charging in dollars as a way to overcome inflation. And there are people like pensioners who can't afford that. There are also abusers who don't pay because they don't want to, but since they know that if we don't pay the state cut the services and the governments law protects them, they are in heaven. We are facing situations of this kind.

There was a scandal in the country days ago because a 16 years old child who was protesting because there is no methane gas in Merida state and received from the state police pellets in his face and lost both eyes. It was horrible. A friend was in a line for gas in his car for 6 days in an inner state capital. I can't imagine that ordeal. In Caracas, we are favored comparatively.

(As always the media blame pathologically and directly to Maduro)

Venezuelan boy, 16, blinded in both eyes after being shot in the face by Nicolas Maduro's henchmen while protesting fuel shortages

A 16-year-old boy was blinded in both eyes after he was shot in the face by police as he was taking part in a demonstration over fuel shortages. Rufo Valendria was protesting in the town of Tariba,…

www.thesun.co.uk

Venezuela has charged two intelligence officials with homicide over the death of a navy captain who had been in military custody, the country's chief prosecutor said on Monday, following outrage over alleged torture of the deceased officer.

As I have seen in motivated political cases, it is very probable that the officials spend just a few months in prison and with the time maybe they will receive a price. I just hope they shut my mouth. But what I have no doubt is that torture is almost institutionalized in the state political policies.