A treason investigation has been launched against the opposition leader of Venezuela.

 A treason investigation has been launched against the opposition leader of Venezuela.

Venezuela's Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated a treason investigation against opposition leader María Corina Machado. Machado is being investigated for her support of U.S. sanctions imposed on President Nicolás Maduro. These sanctions were enacted on Monday following Maduro’s controversial re-election to a third term in disputed elections last July.

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The Venezuelan Public Counsel’s office confirmed the news in a statement, accusing Machado of treason and conspiracy with a foreign government under Section 128 of the country’s Penal Code.

The statement further emphasized Venezuela’s commitment to confronting any individual or group, whether domestic or foreign, that attempts to destabilize the country.

On Monday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Bolivar Act, which prohibits U.S. central agencies from conducting business with the Maduro regime or its allies. The proposal now moves to the Senate and, if approved, will require President Joe Biden's signature to become law.

During Donald Trump's presidency (2017-2021), a "maximum pressure" policy aimed at ousting Maduro was implemented, but the sanctions and efforts failed to remove him from power.

Venezuela, despite being rich in oil, remains economically unstable. The country held its presidential elections in July, where Maduro was declared the victor.

However, the opposition declared their candidate, Edmundo González Urrutia, as the winner, claiming he received more than 67 percent of the vote. Following the election, an arrest warrant was issued for Urrutia, prompting him to flee to Spain. Meanwhile, María Corina Machado remains in hiding.

Last week, the United States recognized Urrutia as the newly elected president of Venezuela, officially replacing Maduro.

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