Venezuelan Government Targets 21 Dissidents for Citizenship Stripping Over Calls for Foreign Intervention

Venezuelan-American activist Daniel Di Martino is set to appear on Fox and Friends Weekend to discuss the Nicolás Maduro regime's escalating actions against Venezuelan dissidents abroad and the contentious debate surrounding potential military strikes against the government. Di Martino's upcoming appearance follows recent reports that the Maduro government is actively seeking to strip the citizenship of 21 opposition figures, including himself, citing their calls for foreign military intervention. This move underscores the regime's intensified efforts to suppress dissent both within and outside Venezuela's borders.

Daniel Di Martino, a prominent voice against socialism and founder of the Dissident Project, has been a vocal critic of the Venezuelan government since leaving his home country for the United States in 2016. He has consistently advocated for freedom in Venezuela and frequently speaks on the economic and social consequences of socialist policies. Di Martino's personal experiences under the Chavez and Maduro administrations have fueled his activism and public commentary.

The Maduro regime's latest actions include a formal appeal to the Supreme Court of Justice to revoke the nationality of at least 21 opposition leaders, a measure specifically targeting those who have advocated for foreign intervention. This development aligns with the regime's broader pattern of transnational repression, which has seen opposition figures like Maria Corina Machado barred from holding public office and the 2024 presidential election results widely disputed. The government asserts these measures are necessary to counter perceived foreign interference and protect national sovereignty.

Discussions surrounding military intervention in Venezuela have gained renewed attention, particularly following recent U.S. military actions targeting alleged drug trafficking operations off the Venezuelan coast. While some U.S. officials have privately indicated a long-term goal of removing Maduro from power, experts and public opinion polls show significant skepticism about the effectiveness and potential consequences of large-scale military involvement. The complex political landscape and the potential for protracted conflict contribute to the ongoing debate over the viability of such interventions.