CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — The Venezuelan government has revoked Brazil’s authorization to act as guardian of Argentina’s diplomatic missions in the country, accusing Brazil of allowing several anti-government opponents holed up for months in the Argentine ambassador’s residence to plot terrorist attacks from the compound.
In a statement Saturday, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry said it had informed Brazil of its decision, which would take effect immediately. It said it was forced to take action based on what it called evidence — which it did not share — that those who sought refuge in Argentina’s diplomatic mission were plotting.
Magalli Meda, the former campaign manager of opposition leader María Corina Machado, was one of six government opponents who fled to the Argentine ambassador’s residence after Maduro’s chief prosecutor issued an arrest warrant for her in March on suspicion of spreading destabilizing political violence.
In retaliation, Maduro severed diplomatic ties with the right-wing government of Argentine President Javier Milei, which had enlisted neighboring Brazil to represent its interests and protect the asylum seekers.
There was no immediate response from Argentina or Brazil.
Since Friday, armored vehicles from the SEBIN political police have been parked outside the Argentine ambassador’s residence in a leafy Caracas neighborhood. Electricity to the diplomatic mission has also been cut off, according to Meda, who has taken to social media to denounce what she fears is an imminent raid to arrest her and other government opponents.
