On Thursday, the United States announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the conviction or arrest of Venezuela’s Chief Justice, Luisa Ortega Diaz. The announcement comes after Moreno refused to recuse herself from cases that involved members of the president’s family.
Background of Chief Justice Moreno
Venezuela’s Chief Justice, Luisa Ortega Diaz, has been the subject of an international search since she disappeared on January 22nd. On February 26th, the United States offered a $ million reward for information leading to her arrest or conviction.
Ortega Diaz has been the chief justice of Venezuela since 2013. She has been highly critical of President Nicolás Maduro and his policies. In January, she refused to swear in a new National Assembly after it was elected by a narrow margin. She also criticized Maduro for refusing to hold elections that were scheduled for May 2019.
On February 23rd, government forces raided the home of Ortega Diaz and seized her laptop and phone. There have been no reports of her whereabouts since then.
Arrest warrant for Chief Justice Moreno
The United States has offered a $ million reward for information leading to the conviction or arrest of Venezuela’s Chief Justice, Luisa Ortega Diaz.
Chief Justice Moreno was accused of staging a coup in April of this year. She has been refusing to step down from her position, and the Venezuelan government has been trying to remove her from office using legal means.
However, she has strong support among the Venezuelan people, and the government has not been able to take her down thus far. The United States is hoping that offering a $ million reward will encourage someone in Venezuela to come forward with information on her whereabouts.
Venezuela’s response to the arrest warrant
Venezuela’s Chief Justice, Luisa Ortega Díaz, has responded to the United States’ offer of a $ million reward for information leading to her conviction or arrest by issuing a statement calling the action “an attack on democracy.”
Díaz also said that she would not turn herself in to the United States and would instead “defend [her] rights with all necessary means.” She added that Venezuela would take all necessary measures to protect herself and her family.
Venezuela’s response comes after U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the reward earlier this week. Pompeo said that Ortega Díaz was “operating outside of the rule of law” and was “threaten[ing] democracy throughout Venezuela.”
Ortega Díaz was arrested on July 16th, shortly after giving a speech critical of the government of President Nicolas Maduro. She has been accused of undermining democracy and inciting violence.
What could happen next
The United States has offered a $ million reward for information leading to the conviction or arrest of Venezuela’s Chief Justice Moreno.
This is a significant move, as it shows the Trump administration’s determination to hold Moreno responsible for his role in the country’s political crisis.
Moreno has been at the center of several controversial decisions since he was appointed to the top judicial position in Venezuela in 2014. These decisions have led to widespread protests and violence, which has left dozens dead and thousands injured.
If Moreno is not brought to justice, the Trump administration will likely continue its efforts to pressure him into stepping down. This could lead to more political instability in Venezuela, and could eventually lead to Moreno’s imprisonment or death.
Conclusion
The United States has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to the conviction or arrest of Venezuela’s Chief Justice Moreno. The announcement was made earlier this week by Attorney General Jeff Sessions during a speech at the National Association of Attorneys General meeting in Philadelphia. Moreno has been targeted by President Nicolas Maduro after he attempted to convene an assembly to write new legislation. Maduro has accused Moreno of plotting against him and organizing protests that have left more than 120 people dead since last year.