Argentina Court issues Arrest Warrant for Venezuela's President and top aide

A federal court in Argentina has ordered the immediate arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello for alleged crimes against humanity committed against dissidents. This decision follows an appeal by Argentine prosecutor Carlos Stornelli after an earlier ruling dismissed the complaints against both leaders.

The court, comprising judges Pablo Bertuzzi, Leopoldo Bruglia, and Mariano Llorens, mandated that the arrest warrants be executed without delay and requested their international apprehension via Interpol for extradition to Argentina. This order comes amidst heightened tensions between Venezuela and Argentina, particularly after Venezuela’s Supreme Court issued an arrest warrant for Argentina's President Javier Milei over a cargo plane controversy.

Rise of the issue

The case against Maduro and Cabello was filed by the Argentine Forum for Democracy in the Region (FADER) in early 2023, citing systematic repression in Venezuela since 2014, including forced disappearances, torture, and persecution of dissidents. Argentina's legal framework allows for action against crimes against humanity regardless of where they were committed, adhering to the principle of universal jurisdiction.

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The recent developments reflect a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the two nations since Milei took office in December. The ongoing conflict highlights the deteriorating relationship between Argentina and Venezuela, fueled by political controversies and accusations of human rights violations.