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‘Illegal seizure’: US police raid Venezuelan embassy in DC to evict pro-Maduro activists
Activists occupying the Venezuelan embassy in Washington are refusing to vacate the premises in defiance of a notice threatening them with arrest for refusing to turn over the building to representatives of Juan Guaido.
“We are expecting the police to come in and violate the Vienna convention with their fictional government, nongovernment claiming that we should leave,” the so-called Embassy Civilian Protection Collective said in a video message.
A final message from the Venezuelan Embassy Protection Collective as police prepare to unlawfully raid the building pic.twitter.com/CL1qLVARlg
— Alex Rubinstein (@RealAlexRubi) May 13, 2019
Calling the ‘trespassing notice’ posted on the embassy’s door by an unknown entity an “unlawful order,” the activists promised to continue their civil disobedience just as police began to clear out the pro-Guaido camp outside the building, which has been harassing the pro-Maduro collective for weeks.
We’re going to be prepared to be arrested. We’re not going to leave voluntarily.
Despite their resolve to stay and protect the diplomatic mission from the “illegal seizure” by Guaido-appointed US representative Carlos Vecchio, pro-Maduro activists have been urged to “depart immediately” from the building in which they have lived for the last 34 days by a notice which has not been signed by any US government agency.
This notice recognizing a non-existent government was just posted on the back door of the Venezuelan embassy by federal authorities. Cops are currently clearing out pro-Guaido tent encampments outside and could be entering the building, will update soon. pic.twitter.com/Uv6bD93a6n
— Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) May 13, 2019
“The United States does not recognize the authority of the former Maduro regime or any of its former representatives to allow any individuals to lawfully enter, remain on this property, or take any action with respect to this property,” a notice taped to the door of the building read.
Threatened with arrest, most activists have left the embassy, some carrying a portrait of Simón Bolivar. At present, about four ‘protectors’ remain inside the building.
The crisis surrounding the Venezuelan embassy in Washington began after US authorities forced diplomats loyal to President Maduro to leave the premises more than one month ago. Just before departing for Caracas, the diplomats appointed by Maduro allowed the peace activists to occupy the building.
A failed US-backed coup attempt in Venezuela inflamed the situation at the embassy, with the pro-Guaido camp blocking any attempts by activists to sneak supplies inside. Several people were arrested as they attempted to throw food and hygiene products through the open windows, while authorities cut the power and water supply to the diplomatic compound.
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