#Russia hypocritically condemned the #US for what it called the "act of armed aggression" against #Venezuela, its #UN envoy Vassily Nebenzia told the #UNSC.
"There is no & can be no justification for the crimes cynically perpetrated by the #UnitedStates in Caracas. We firmly condemn the US act of armed aggression against Venezuela, in breach of all international legal norms," Nebenzia said through an interpreter.
Russia also called on the US to release #Maduro & his wife.
When #Maduro makes his initial appearance in court on Monday, a judge will likely advise him of the charges against him & ensure he has a defense lawyer.
It could be months or more than a year before Maduro stands trial.
Prosecutors could eventually offer a plea deal to avoid a trial.
#MafiaState #US #imperialism #geopolitics #law #Congress #WarPowers #Trump #abduction #Venezuela #oil #sovereignty #WarCrimes #InternationalLaw
@Nonilex or he could just pay the bribe to get released. He gotta have money stashed somewhere.
Maduro's case is expected to be overseen by #US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein because he was assigned to the 2020 case brought against #Maduro.
The 92-year-old jurist has been skeptical of arguments by the #Trump admin in other high-profile cases. Earlier this year, Hellerstein rejected efforts to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members under the #AlienEnemiesAct, saying the wartime #law had been improperly invoked by the admin.
@Nonilex so having started a war tru can claim war powers?
He cannot. Not without Congress. That’s why they are claiming it was a law enforcement operation not a military operation. Though of course that is total bullshit.
After removing #Maduro from power, the #Trump admin is gambling that it can intimidate VP & interim president #DelcyRodriguez's inner circle into toeing the #US line with threats of further #military action….
The US would consider another military operation if #Venezuela's interim government did not cooperate, Trump said Sunday.
"If they don't behave, we will do a second strike," he said.
#MafiaState #imperialism #geopolitics #law #Congress #WarPowers #Trump #Venezuela #oil #sovereignty
#Trump advisers also believe they may be able to work behind the scenes with #DelcyRodriguez, acc/to 3 people briefed on the #US strategy.
Trump said he wants Rodriguez to give the US & private companies "total access" to #Venezuela’s beleaguered #oil infrastructure, as well as roads & bridges that are in disrepair.
If she & the interim government do not cooperate, they could face a strong response.
"I just say that she will face a situation probably worse than Maduro," he threatened.
The legality of the #US capture of #Maduro is the focus of a #UN #Security Council meeting.
US authorities claim the #DOJ sought #military assistance to apprehend Maduro.
He had been indicted by a NY grand jury along with his wife, son, 2 political leaders & an alleged leader of an international gang. They were charged with crimes related to terrorism, drugs & weapons.
#UNSC #imperialism #geopolitics #law #Congress #WarPowers #Trump #Venezuela #oil #sovereignty #InternationalLaw
However, at a press conference, #Trump blamed #Venezuela for “stealing” US #oil interests & said Washington would take them back & planned to run Venezuela for a period of time, without offering specifics.
Experts in #InternationalLaw said the Trump admin had muddled the #legal issues by claiming the operation was both a targeted law enforcement mission & the potential prelude to long-term control of Venezuela by the #US.
#UNSC #imperialism #geopolitics #law #Congress #WarPowers #sovereignty
It seems reasonable to describe the United States as now being a mafia state, if their foreign policy is based on openly threatening to kill more people if oil isn't supplied.
