Venezuela Investigates Opposition Leader Machado for Alleged Treason

Maria Corina Machado faces accusations of supporting U.S. sanctions targeting President Maduro after a contested election widely criticized for fraud.

• Venezuelan prosecutors have launched a treason investigation against opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, citing her support for a U.S. bill imposing sanctions on entities tied to President Nicolás Maduro's regime.
• The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the bipartisan BOLIVAR Act, which seeks to bar federal agencies from doing business with Maduro-associated companies, though it still requires Senate approval and President Biden's signature.
• Machado, who was banned from running in Venezuela's July presidential election, has gone into hiding as authorities accuse her of conspiracy and criminal association with foreign nations.
• The July election, declared fraudulent by critics, saw Maduro claim victory despite opposition candidate Edmundo González reportedly winning with twice as many votes according to opposition tallies; González has since fled to Spain under threat of arrest.
• The U.S. and several other countries have formally recognized González as Venezuela's president-elect, rejecting Maduro's claim to a third term in office.

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