Related videos:
The New York Times published this Saturday a report based on 12 sources within Venezuela that reveals how Delcy Rodríguez is carrying out a systematic purge against Nicolás Maduro's closest allies since she assumed the role of acting president of Venezuela.
According to the report, businesspeople, officials, and relatives of the former president have been dismissed, persecuted, and have been banned from appearing in the media.
Sources close to chavismo cited by the New York newspaper describe the situation with a phrase that summarizes the climate of internal terror: Rodríguez "governs with a gun to his head."
Among the figures who have fallen from grace is Mario Silva, once a key communication figure of Chavismo, who is said to have lost privileges and media presence.
The media entrepreneur Raúl Gorrín, wanted by the United States for money laundering, is reported to be detained in La Tumba del Sebin in Caracas since the end of March.
Alex Saab was arrested in a joint operation between Venezuela and the United States reported on February 4, with a possible extradition to Florida.
Vladimir Padrino López, former Minister of Defense and a key figure of Maduro's regime, was reassigned as Minister of Agriculture last Tuesday, which is seen as a fall from grace.
Tarek William Saab, former Attorney General, and businessman Wilmer Ruperti are also listed among those who have lost power and influence, according to the NYT.
Even Maduro's son would have been affected: the report indicates that his contracts with the state were terminated.
The newspaper also reveals that Rodríguez is using Venezuelan intelligence services to spy on and monitor the allies of the former president.
According to sources consulted by the NYT, the detentions have been carried out under the instruction and consent of the United States, reinforcing the narrative of a reconfiguration of power coordinated with Washington.
Rodríguez executed 28 changes in the leadership of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces on January 21 to align the new Armed Forces with the United States, according to the report.
Within Chavismo, there is increasing chatter about the idea that Maduro was betrayed on January 3rd, and the name Rodríguez is at the center of that narrative.
Rodríguez herself acknowledged the definitive nature of the events when she stated on April 9th: "January concluded the process".
Filed under: