Here comes the bullshit artist…
#US Ambassador to the #UN #MikeWaltz addressed the #UNSC meeting on #Venezuela.
"There is no war against Venezuela or its people. We are not occupying a country. This was a law enforcement operation," he said of the raid in which #Maduro was “captured”.
"The overwhelming evidence of his crimes will be presented openly in US court proceedings," Waltz said.
#MafiaState #imperialism #geopolitics #law #Trump #abduction #oil #sovereignty #InternationalLaw
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.
