Image Source: ABC11
World – According to human rights defender Catherine Constantinides, Venezuela is the first of many possible breaches of international law by the United States.
After visiting Venezuela, Constantinides provided firsthand insight into the dramatic US military operation that resulted in President Nicolás Maduro’s capture and transfer to the United States on criminal charges.
The human rights defender revealed that this may only be the beginning of similar actions by the United States. Press conferences from Washington have suggested a troubling pattern of future interventions.
“Venezuela is only but one, and perhaps the first, of a breach of international law that we will see in 2026.”
Constantinides was in Venezuela just before the operation took place and described an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty.
The country’s residents were living with a sense that something significant was about to happen, though they could not have anticipated the scale of what would unfold.
“Everyone was living on the cusp of something about to happen, not knowing that international law would be breached in such a dramatic way that destabilised not just the region, but geopolitics around the world.”
Popular Support for Maduro
During her visit, Constantinides witnessed significant popular support for Maduro among Venezuelans. She attended a large gathering where the president’s connection with his people was evident.
“I was in a position where I did see President Nicolás Maduro in person at a gathering with thousands of his own people, and the people love him.”
Constantinides particularly emphasised Maduro’s engagement with indigenous communities. She observed how he actively included marginalised groups in national conversations and decision-making processes.
He ensured that “indigenous people felt not only seen, but that they were indeed included in conversations.”
Questioning the Legitimacy of US Claims
Constantinides questioned the legitimacy of US allegations regarding narcotics charges against Maduro. She suggested that the charges serve as justification for control over Venezuela’s resources.
“Somebody has got to tell a story to make this entire thing seem legitimate, because it does not make sense for a country with the biggest oil reserves in the world.”
She cautioned against accepting these narratives at face value, emphasising the importance of critical thinking when examining the reasons given for military intervention.
Constantinides warned against amplifying “false narratives that are being used to create a legitimate reason to break international law by uplifting and kidnapping a sitting president.”
