On October 1, 2024, the Venezuelan government, under Nicolás Maduro, requested the arrest of 16 Argentine officials, including lawmakers and judges, in connection with a 2022 incident involving a detained aircraft in Argentina. This move follows Argentina's international arrest warrant for Maduro due to human rights violations.
The list of individuals targeted includes Deputy Gerardo Milman, Minister of Security Waldo Wolff, and several judges and prosecutors involved in the case. Wolff expressed pride in the Venezuelan government's actions against him, stating it serves as a precedent for Interpol to issue red alerts for the arrests.
Franco Rinaldi, an aviation expert, reacted humorously on social media, while Deputy Ricardo López Murphy criticized the arrest order as irrational. He emphasized that his initial report regarding the aircraft was a legal obligation, not a crime.
Former UIF member María Eugenia Talerico reiterated her commitment to preventing Maduro's regime from financing international terrorism, citing the existence of a 'State Criminal Organization' in Venezuela. Yamil Santoro, another targeted legislator, stated that he views the Venezuelan government's request as an honor, given his role in halting the operations of the Venezuelan-Iranian spy plane.
This escalating diplomatic conflict highlights the strained relations between Argentina and Venezuela, with potential implications for international law enforcement and human rights advocacy.