Opposition Leader Edmundo González Flees Venezuela, Seeks Asylum in Spain
Democracy NowAug 30
Venezuela: US Denies Claim CIA Plotted to Kill Maduro
Above: A demonstrator holds a banner during an antigovernment protest in Lisbon, Portugal, on Aug. 31, 2024. Image copyright: Luis Boza/NurPhoto/Contributor via Getty Images
The Facts
The US State Department said on Sunday that Venezuela's allegations that its Central Intelligence Agency was involved in an alleged plot to overthrow the government and kill Pres. Nicolás Maduro were "categorically false."
This comes after Venezuela's Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello announced on Saturday that six foreigners — including a US Navy SEAL and two Spanish citizens — had been arrested for plotting "violent actions" to "destabilize" the country.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Washington is committed to finding a democratic solution to the political crisis in Venezuela, so these false coup claims are entirely absurd. If anyone is resorting to force to overturn the will of the people, it's Maduro and his allies who have repressed civilians democratically protesting against their election fraud.
Establishment-critical narrative
Though Washington may insist on telling lies, its agents have already confessed to the thwarted plot to attack government buildings — including the Miraflores presidential palace — and the sabotage of public services to destabilize Venezuela. At best, the US has conveniently failed to prevent these actions from being planned on its territory.