Restore democracy in Venezuela

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Venezuela today stands as a warning to the world of what happens when authoritarianism is allowed to operate without consequence. The decision by the US President Donald Trump to apprehend Nicolás Maduro and his wife is is a long-overdue assertion that tyranny, corruption, and abuse of power must face justice. For far too long, the Venezuelan regime has acted with complete disregard for its people and with apparent confidence that it would never be held accountable.

Under Maduro’s rule, Venezuela has been reduced from a resource-rich nation into a humanitarian disaster zone. Democratic institutions have been dismantled, elections manipulated, courts subordinated, and dissent crushed. Millions have fled their homeland, not because of war or natural catastrophe, but because their own government has rendered daily life unbearable.

This is systemic criminality carried out under the disguise of political authority. Those who oppose firm action often hide behind the language of sovereignty. But sovereignty is not an impenetrable shield for leaders who loot their country, weaponise poverty, and rule through fear.

A government that brutalises its citizens forfeits any claim to moral legitimacy. The apprehension of Maduro would demonstrate that international law still has meaning and that political power does not grant permanent immunity from justice.

Venezuela’s collapse has strained neighbouring economies, and fuelled migration crises that ripple across small-island states already facing economic pressure. Stability in the hemisphere depends on confronting the root causes of chaos, not politely ignoring them. A democratic Venezuela would be a stabilising force; a lawless dictatorship is a perpetual threat.

Holding Maduro and his wife accountable is about restoring the principle that leadership must answer to the people and to the law. It is about sending an unmistakable message that elections must be real, opposition must be protected, and public office is not a licence to commit crimes without consequence.

Venezuela deserves leaders chosen freely, institutions that function independently, and a future built on dignity rather than despair. Justice delivered now may finally give Venezuela a chance to rebuild.

ROBERT DALLEY