Argentina Calls on ICC to Arrest Maduro

Argentina has urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, citing alleged human rights abuses linked to the government’s response to post-election unrest.

On Friday, the Argentine Foreign Ministry claimed that the actions taken by Maduro’s administration since the July 28 presidential election could amount to "crimes against humanity." A formal request to the ICC is expected to be submitted on Monday.

Maduro, who claimed victory with 52% of the vote according to Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, faces accusations of election rigging from the opposition.

Edmundo González, a rival candidate, alleged that he won 67% of the vote. Subsequent protests have led to over 2,000 arrests, and criminal investigations have been launched against opposition leaders González and María Corina Machado.

Despite international criticism, including from the US, EU, and Argentina, which do not recognize Maduro’s legitimacy, several nations, including Russia and China, have congratulated him on his re-election.

The dispute has further strained relations, with Maduro denouncing Argentine President Javier Milei as a “monster face” and calling for his removal. Venezuela has since closed its diplomatic mission in Argentina and recalled its staff.

Amid this geopolitical tension, Argentina grapples with severe economic challenges, including high inflation and widespread poverty, as President Milei implements controversial economic reforms.