Venezuela’s Minister of Defense, Vladimir Padrino López, is facing mounting criticism regarding the state of the nation’s armed forces. Accusations range from institutional degradation to the erosion of military honor, stemming from both internal and external sources.
Growing Scrutiny of Defense Minister
The organization Carive, comprised of retired military personnel including Captain Javier Nieto Quintero and Colonel Isidro Pérez Villalobos, has publicly released a strongly worded letter addressed to Padrino López. The letter, titled “Open Letter to the National Shame: Vladimir Padrino López,” directly accuses the minister of responsibility for the “destruction of the Republic” and the “burying of Venezuelan military honor.”
According to the letter, under Padrino López’s leadership, the Fuerza Armada (National Armed Forces) has transitioned from a national defense force to a “criminal custody structure.” The organization claims the institution, once a symbol of Simón Bolívar, is now viewed internationally “with disgust and contempt,” with the uniform of a general inspiring “suspicion and nausea.”
Allegations of Criminal Ties and Loss of Merit
Carive alleges Padrino López is linked to a $15 million bounty offered by U.S. courts, framing him not as a patriot but as “the bodyguard of a cartel.” The letter further contends that meritocracy within the armed forces has been replaced by “loyalty to crime,” leading to hardship for troops while those in leadership allegedly profit from “the spoils of surrendered sovereignty.”
The accusations extend to the alleged dismantling of structures protecting the nation, with high-ranking officials facing legal challenges abroad while Padrino López reportedly offered “excuses from a desk.” Carive asserts he is “not a combat general; he is a concierge of disgrace.”
Families of Detained Military Personnel Voice Concerns
Adding to the pressure, family members of military personnel detained on political charges have voiced their support for the critical letter. A family member, in a separate communication titled “Wounded Venezuela,” directly challenges Padrino López’s role in the degradation and expulsion of 33 officers from the FANB in January 2024.
The family member alleges that Padrino López, following a press conference by prosecutor Tarek William Saab Halabi, requested authorization from Nicolás Maduro to sanction the officers without due process or the right to defense. The subsequent public stripping of ranks in the courtyard of the Ministry of Defense is described as a “cruel spectacle,” likened to the Roman Colosseum, with reports that even female officers were publicly humiliated.
The letter details the devastating consequences faced by the affected officers and their families, including loss of home, resources, and dignity. It accuses Padrino López of betraying military values and allowing foreign interference, citing the influence of Cuban, Russian, Chinese, and Iranian actors. The family member also highlights the alleged torture and inhumane conditions endured by the detained officers over the past two years.
Calls for Rectification and Remembrance
The communication demands the annulment of the administrative act leading to the officers’ expulsion and references the case of Lieutenant Ronald Ojeda, who was reportedly kidnapped and killed after being pursued outside of Venezuela. The family member concludes by urging Padrino López to correct his past actions and restore honor to the institution.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carive?
Carive is an organization comprised of retired military personnel of various ranks and components, led by Captain Javier Nieto Quintero and Colonel Isidro Pérez Villalobos, who have publicly criticized Minister of Defense Vladimir Padrino López.
What specific accusations are being made against Padrino López?
Padrino López is accused of institutional degradation, the loss of military honor, allowing the armed forces to become a “criminal custody structure,” and being linked to a $15 million bounty offered by U.S. courts.
What is the connection to the 33 expelled officers?
Families of the 33 officers expelled from the FANB in January 2024 allege that Padrino López requested authorization from Nicolás Maduro to sanction them without due process, and that their public humiliation was a cruel and unjust act.
As these accusations continue to surface, it remains to be seen how they will impact the leadership and future direction of the Venezuelan armed forces. Will these challenges lead to internal reform, or will the current trajectory continue?
