Venezuela Rejects US Interference, Says Interim Leader Rodríguez

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez declared on Sunday that the South American country will no longer accept directives from the United States, addressing oil industry workers with her message.

Since Washington apprehended former president Nicolas Maduro earlier this month, Venezuela has faced mounting pressure to allow US investment into its oil industry.

Speaking at a gathering with workers in Anzoátegui, Rodríguez stated: “It is important that we open spaces for democratic dissent, but that it be politics, with a capital P and with a V for Venezuela.”

She continued: “Enough of Washington’s orders to politicians in Venezuela. May Venezuelan politics be the one to resolve our differences and our internal conflicts. Enough of foreign powers, this Republic has paid a very high price for having to face the consequences of fascism and extremism in our country.”

Detained Citizens

At the same time, relatives of hundreds of individuals remaining in Venezuelan detention facilities are demanding their freedom and calling for more openness in the release procedures.

Related: Why Trump Invaded Venezuela

Following Maduro’s apprehension, Venezuelan authorities pledged to free “a significant number” of detainees whom human rights organizations characterize as political prisoners

On Friday, Rodríguez announced that “626 people have been released from prison” while criticizing some groups for “manipulating the figures through lies.”

She indicated her intention to request that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights confirm the roster of freed prisoners to resolve the conflicting statistics.