Five Venezuelan opposition figures—Magalli Meda, Claudia Macero, Omar González, Pedro Urruchurtu, and Humberto Villalobos—sought refuge in the Argentinian embassy in Caracas on March 20, 2024, due to persecution under the Maduro regime. Fernando MartĂnez Mottola was initially part of the group but left and later passed away.
Their situation worsened after a series of clashes between President Javier Milei and Maduro, leading Argentina to withdraw, and Brazil to take over temporary custody.
The five individuals were eventually released and safely relocated to the United States. Sources confirm the liberation involved a US-led military operation, confirmed by Marco Rubio, who celebrated the "successful rescue" of the "hostages."
MarĂa Corina Machado expressed gratitude for the "impeccable and epic operation," while president-elect Edmundo González Urrutia also celebrated the successful rescue. The Venezuelan opposition emphasized their commitment to aiding other political prisoners.
The article notes the previous precarious situation faced by the refugees within the embassy due to the Maduro regime's actions, including the disruption of essential services.
The article highlights the alleged contradictions in how Brazil handled similar situations, involving individuals with more serious offenses, claiming a faster, more efficient resolution compared to the case of the five Venezuelan refugees.