Canada and G7 Leaders Condemn Venezuela’s Political Oppression
Canada joins G7 allies in condemning Venezuela’s crackdown on democracy and human rights abuses
Venezuela, Canada, G7, Nicolas Maduro, Maria Corina Machado, Democracy
OTTAWA: Canada is stepping up with its G7 partners to call out Venezuela’s harsh treatment of political opposition. This is the first major foreign policy move since Canada took the G7 chair this year.
Recently, Nicolas Maduro was sworn in for a third term after an election that many believe was rigged. It’s a real mess down there.
Maria Corina Machado, a key opposition figure, was at a rally when security forces detained her briefly. They even made her record some videos against her will, which is just outrageous.
The G7 foreign ministers released a statement criticizing Maduro’s inauguration, saying it lacks democratic legitimacy. They described it as a “continued and repressive grasp at power.”
They also highlighted the arbitrary arrests and abuses happening during peaceful protests, which is just heartbreaking.
According to the G7, the Maduro regime has created a humanitarian crisis, leading many to flee the country. But the Venezuelan government just brushes these claims off as propaganda.
As Canada chairs the G7 this year, it’s joined by other wealthy democracies like France, Germany, and the U.S. They’re all in this together.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre praised Machado and other activists, urging the international community to help restore democracy in Venezuela. He emphasized that democracy is a sacred right.
Last month, Venezuela fired back at Canada, accusing it of being a puppet for U.S. interests after Canada imposed more sanctions on Venezuelan officials. The foreign ministry claimed Canada is trying to blackmail them, which is quite the accusation.
This report was first published by The Canadian Press on January 10, 2025.
Dylan Robertson, The Canadian Press