Former Venezuelan Opposition Lawmakers Accused of Asking U.S. to Access Citgo Funds
CARACAS, Venezuela — The Venezuelan National Assembly (AN) has accused a group of former opposition lawmakers from the 2015 legislature of requesting access to funds belonging to Citgo, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Venezuela’s state-owned oil company PDVSA. The AN is now seeking the application of the "Libertador Simón Bolívar" law against them, which carries penalties of up to 30 years in prison and a 60-year political ban.
During a commission meeting, AN President Jorge Rodríguez presented a letter purportedly sent by former deputy Francisco Piaza to U.S. diplomat Francisco Palmieri. In the letter, Piaza and other former lawmakers reportedly ask Palmieri to allow them to access the dividends and other assets of Citgo, which are currently frozen in the United States due to U.S. sanctions against Venezuela.
Rodríguez accused the former lawmakers of committing a crime under the "Libertador Simón Bolívar" law against the U.S. blockade. "They are asking a foreign government official to use funds that belong to the Venezuelan people, to illegally and illegitimately manage frozen accounts abroad," Rodríguez said.
The AN president argued that the funds would be used to finance conspiracies against Venezuela and enrich the former lawmakers. Rodríguez also announced that the AN will request the application of the "Extinction of Domain" law to recover these assets.
Following the meeting, Rodríguez called for the immediate prosecution of former deputies Dinorah Figuera, Marianela Fernández, and Auristelia Vásquez, and demanded an investigation into a secret meeting allegedly held with the U.S. diplomat.
The "Libertador Simón Bolívar" law, approved unanimously last November, also imposes fines of up to one million euros (approximately $1.06 million) on individuals involved in promoting or implementing foreign sanctions against Venezuela.
The contentious political and economic landscape of Venezuela continues to evolve, with new revelations and accusations emerging in the struggle between the Maduro administration and the opposition. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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