Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to be tried in his own country rather than in the United States, following Maduro’s controversial abduction by US forces earlier this year.
Lula emphasized that the resolution of Maduro’s legal issues should come from Venezuelans themselves. “The people of Venezuela must decide their own future. Foreign intervention is not acceptable,” he said, noting Latin America’s history of US-backed dictatorships in nations like Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay.
The Brazilian leader condemned the military operation that led to Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, being flown to New York, calling it an unacceptable act against a sitting head of state.
US authorities accuse Maduro of drug trafficking, claiming he collaborated with major regional cartels. However, US data shows Venezuela is not a leading global producer of drugs.
Meanwhile, Trump has expressed interest in Venezuelan oil reserves, inviting US companies to exploit them and suggesting proceeds would benefit both Venezuelans and Americans.
Lula’s remarks come as Venezuela’s acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, works to release hundreds of political prisoners detained during Maduro’s presidency, which began in 2013.
