Venezuelans hold protest over US 'kidnapping' of Maduro envoy
Venezuelans have held a protest gathering, calling for the release of a kidnapped businessman held by the US government.
Colombian businessman Alex Saab, 49, who is a Venezuelan envoy of Lebanese descent, was incarcerated by local authorities during a stopover in the African archipelago nation of Cape Verde in June 2020.
Saab's wife, Camila Fabri, attended the protest in the Venezuelan capital Caracas and read a statement written by Saab who has been extradited to the United States.
"I want to make clear that I have nothing to collaborate with the United States on. I have not committed a crime in the United States or in any other country", she said, reading Saab's statement.
The US Justice Department charged Saab in 2019 in connection to business dealings with Venezuela. The United States also imposed sanctions on Saab for allegedly making a profit from a state-run food program. Saab's lawyers have accused the US prosecutors of fabricating charges against Saab, calling the case against him as "politically motivated".
They said Saab had been "kidnapped" by the United States and that his extradition from Cape Verde to the US on Saturday "violated" international laws.
Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro on Sunday lambasted the US for kidnapping Saab.
"It was a sad day, and one of indignation because the American empire violated all international rights and took a Venezuelan diplomat," Maduro said.
Saab is expected to attend an initial court hearing in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on Monday.
In the meantime, Caracas called off talks with the US-backed opposition to resolve longstanding problems.
US economic sanctions on Venezuela have plunged the nation into poverty, with a majority of the population grappling with lack of access to basic needs, gasoline shortage and frequent power cuts. The dire conditions have prompted millions of Venezuelans seeking better living conditions to move to other countries.
Venezuela, Russia sign new energy, defense deals
New ‘terror’ attack disrupts 25% of Venezuela’s power system: Minister
President Maduro: Netanyahu a 'monster’ created by EU, US
VIDEO | 85% of Yemeni displaced people face daily hunger crisis
US House passes bill targeting charities and pro-Palestine groups
VIDEO | Supporting Gaza genocide
Hezbollah attacks Israeli forces after Lebanese homes blown up
World leaders, states hail ICC arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant
MP: US accountable for possible Israeli 'foolishness' to attack Iraq
VIDEO | Israeli policies strangle Palestinian agriculture, economy
Iran's president offers condolences to Pakistan over terrorist attack
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
