Chilean Prosecutors Seek US Collaboration to Question Maduro in Venezuelan Opposition Figure’s Murder
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Meta Description: Chilean authorities are exploring a potential interrogation of Nicolás Maduro by the US Department of Justice regarding the murder of Ronald Ojeda, a prominent Venezuelan opposition figure.
Chilean prosecutors are considering a formal request for collaboration with the US Department of Justice to question Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in connection with the February 2024 murder of Ronald Ojeda. The move comes amid Maduro’s recent detention in the United States and centers on allegations that Ojeda’s death was politically motivated and potentially ordered by the Venezuelan government.
Investigation Focuses on Potential State-Sponsored Hit
The investigation, led by Metropolitan South regional prosecutor Héctor Barros, has increasingly focused on the hypothesis that Ojeda was targeted due to his opposition activities. According to a senior official, the possibility of seeking a statement from Maduro was raised during a recent analysis meeting at the National Prosecutor’s Office.
“As prosecutor Barros has stated, he told us that among the procedures he considered necessary was to consider the current situation of Nicolás Maduro’s detention in the United States, in order to require cooperation from the Department of Justice so that a statement could be taken from this person,” stated national prosecutor Ángel Valencia during a visit to the Bío Bío region.
The Chilean Prosecutor’s Office aims to determine if Maduro can provide insight into the political motivations behind the crime and the potential involvement of Venezuelan state agents. Obtaining cooperation from Washington is now the primary focus.
Allegations Link Maduro Ally to Criminal Organization
Evidence suggests a potential link between a high-ranking member of the Maduro regime and the execution of the murder. Prosecutors are investigating the alleged involvement of Diosdado Cabello, often described as the number two figure in the Venezuelan government.
According to Barros, Cabello allegedly contracted members of the Tren de Aragua, a notorious transnational criminal organization, to kidnap and murder Ojeda. “Diosdado Cabello would have been the one who commissioned or who negotiated, basically, with the top leadership of the Aragua Train – which was Niño Guerrero at that time – and he would also have been the one who agreed and made the payment for this order,” Barros shared in a recent interview with Radio Tariff.
Over Ten Detainees and a Growing Case
To date, Chilean authorities have detained more than ten individuals in connection with the case. Among those arrested is Alfredo José Henríquez Pineda, also known as “Gordo Alex,” who allegedly led the “Los Piratas” faction of the Tren de Aragua operating within Chile.
The investigation is also exploring potential avenues for international legal action. Juan Carlos Manríquez, legal representative for the Ojeda family, believes that pursuing a statement from Maduro aligns with ongoing judicial efforts both in Chile and before the International Criminal Court. He argues that the emerging evidence strengthens the case for a politically motivated, commissioned crime and underscores the need for continued pursuit of arrest warrants for all those implicated.
The case remains ongoing, with Chilean authorities determined to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy and bring all responsible parties to justice.
