[20200402]IN11306_美国起诉委内瑞拉高级官员.pdf

CRS INSIGHT Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress INSIGHTINSIGHTi i U.S. Indictment of Top Venezuelan Officials Clare Ribando Seelke Specialist in Latin American Affairs Liana W. Rosen Specialist in International Crime and Narcotics April 2, 2020 On March 26, 2020, Attorney General William Barr announced the indictment of Venezuelas leader, Nicols Maduro (whom the United States does not recognize as Venezuelas legitimate president), and other current and former high-ranking Venezuelan officials. As charged, Maduro allegedly participated in the Cartel of the Suns drug trafficking organization in conspiracy with the Colombian terrorist organization, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), to produce and traffic illicit drugs to the United States. Maduros indictment marks an escalation in U.S. efforts since January 2019 to compel him to leave office so that a transition government can convene free and fair elections. Although Congress largely has supported sanctions on the Maduro government, these indictments occur as some Members are asking the Administration to temporarily ease sanctions due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background The Dep