Venezuela's Top Prosecutor Orders Arrest of Opposition Figures on Treason Charges

The move threatens the prospects of credible elections next year, despite commitments made to the Biden administration for sanctions relief.

Venezuela's top prosecutor has ordered the arrest of several top opposition figures, accusing them of treason and conspiracy.
The accused are alleged to have accepted money from ExxonMobil to sabotage a recent referendum on annexing a large, oil-rich region in Guyana.
The move is seen as a blow to prospects for credible elections next year, which the government had agreed to hold in exchange for the lifting of U.S. economic sanctions.
Among those targeted are María Corina Machado, winner of an opposition primary election for president, and two U.S. citizens.
The Biden administration must now decide whether to continue sanctions relief in hopes of persuading President Nicolás Maduro to allow a fair vote.