US calls for immediate release of Venezuela opposition leader Juan Guaido’s uncle

The US State Department on Saturday condemned the detention of Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido’s uncle as politically motivated and demanded his immediate release.

Juan Jose Marquez was detained on Tuesday on his return to Venezuela after a three-week international tour. He was together with Guaido, who is recognised by more than 50 countries as Venezuela’s legitimate president.

“The preposterous charges that have been put forward further exemplify the increasing desperation of Maduro and his corrupt associates,” said State Department spokesman Morgan Ortagus in a statement. “Manufacturing evidence to justify arbitrary, politically motivated detentions is a common tool of the illegitimate former Maduro regime.”

According to the State Department, Marquez was being accused of smuggling explosive material aboard a direct international flight from Portugal. Ortagus scoffed at the charges saying Marquez had gone through strict security screening and protocols at Lisbon airports. He also noted TAP Air Portugal had affirmed publicly that it was impossible to travel with explosives.

“These despicable actions by the former Maduro regime detaining innocent civilians and inventing false charges are sadly typical,” said Ortagus. “Rather than abide by the rule of law, Maduro and his cronies follow mafia-style practices, intimidating the opposition by targeting their family members.”