Díaz-Balart: María Corina’s Indictment is an Outrage and Should Not be Upheld

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) released the following statement after the announcement that María Corina Machado, a Venezuelan opposition leader, has been indicted on unfounded charges. María Corina joins other opposition leaders that have been criminally charged by the Maduro regime, including Leopoldo López.

"Over the past year, María Corina Machado has led peaceful protests against the Maduro regime, and has been a fierce critic of the increasing repression, inflation, and rampant corruption in Venezuela. As a result, the Maduro regime has attempted to discredit and silence her. She was unjustifiably stripped her of her right to travel internationally, and removed from her elected position in the National Assembly despite overwhelming support from her constituency at the ballot box. Now, Maduro and his cronies have decided to construe ridiculous charges on which to indict her. Maduro's controlled courts and judges are complete shams. With its actions, the Maduro regime demonstrates it is as corrupt and tyrannical as opposition leaders such as María Corina Machado warn.

"The House has demonstrated strong bipartisan support to impose tough sanctions against the Maduro regime, and it's time for the Senate and the President to do the same. H.R. 4229, the Venezuelan Liberty and Democracy Solidarity Act, was passed in the House more than 8 months ago. I urge my colleagues to bring it to the floor for a vote.

"I stand with brave opposition leaders and activists like María Corina Machado and Leopoldo López who are struggling, at great personal risk, against tyranny on behalf of the Venezuelan people. This unjust ruling cannot be allowed to stand. We must continue to pressure Maduro to free opposition leaders like María Corina and Leopoldo, and restore democracy in Venezuela."