Duval Times

The Maduro narco-regime's tribunal has formally confirmed a previous decision to disqualify the main opposition candidate, María Corina Machado, from participating in the upcoming presidential elections. Recently, members of Machado's team have been arbitrarily arrested by the Maduro regime and their headquarters has been vandalized. Since taking office, the Biden Administration has granted a wave of concessions to the narco-regime: from the release of Maduro's nephews, to the lifting of sectoral sanctions, and granting clemency to Maduro's henchman, Alex Saab.

In response to these concerning developments, Senators Marco Rubio (R-FL), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Rick Scott (R-FL) have sent a letter to President Biden demanding immediate sanctions be imposed on the Maduro narco-regime, as the principles of the Barbados agreement are not being upheld.

During a hearing in the Senate Appropriations Committee, Secretary Blinken stated that the Biden Administration would "take necessary steps" if the ban against Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado continued. However, significant measures have yet to be taken.

In their letter to President Biden, the senators state, "We urge the Biden Administration to take immediate action to hold the Maduro narco-regime accountable for its ongoing human rights abuses, attacks on democratic institutions, and subversion of the electoral process in Venezuela."

The senators emphasize the urgency of the situation, stating, "The time to act is now. The Maduro narco-regime is tightening its grip on power, systematically silencing opposition voices, and undermining the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people."

They also highlight the need for the United States to lead on this issue, stating, "The United States must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Venezuelan people. We have a moral obligation to stand up for freedom and democracy in our hemisphere."

The senators call on President Biden to impose targeted sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Venezuela, as well as to work with international partners to increase pressure on the Maduro regime.

In conclusion, the senators state, "The United States cannot afford to sit idly by while the Maduro narco-regime continues to violate the rights of the Venezuelan people. We must act now to support those fighting for democracy and human rights in Venezuela."

The situation in Venezuela is dire, with the Maduro regime intensifying its crackdown on dissent and opposition. It is crucial for the international community, particularly the United States, to take a strong stance against the Maduro narco-regime and stand up for the Venezuelan people.

As Senator Marco Rubio said, "The time to act on Venezuela is now. We cannot stand by and allow the Maduro regime to continue its abuses unchecked. We must hold them accountable and support those fighting for democracy and human rights in Venezuela."

It is clear that immediate action is necessary to address the ongoing human rights abuses and attacks on democracy in Venezuela. The United States must lead the way in imposing sanctions and working with international partners to increase pressure on the Maduro regime.

The fate of Venezuela hangs in the balance, and the international community must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of the Venezuelan people. As Senator Rick Scott stated, "We have a moral obligation to stand up for freedom and democracy in our hemisphere."

The time to act on Venezuela is now. The United States and its allies must come together to support the Venezuelan people and hold the Maduro narco-regime accountable for its actions. The future of Venezuela depends on it.