CNN
After defending him as a "son of the homeland," receiving him with honors after a prisoner exchange with the U.S., and giving him a ministerial position, the Venezuelan government now denies that Alex Saab has Venezuelan nationality, which would have legally prevented his handover to U.S. authorities, carried out on Saturday. By CNN The government led by [...]
TL;DR
- Venezuela's government now denies Alex Saab's Venezuelan nationality, calling him a "Colombian citizen" after previously supporting him and appointing him minister.
- This denial occurred after Saab's handover to U.S. authorities, a process experts suggest violates Venezuela's constitution, which prohibits the extradition of its citizens.
- Legal experts argue that revoking nationality requires a judicial process, which has not been publicly documented for Saab.
- The government's actions are seen by some as a pragmatic political move to appease the U.S. and maintain power, despite potential backlash from Chavista bases.
- Saab's handover is speculated to be a strategic move, potentially involving his cooperation in ongoing investigations against Venezuelan officials, including Nicolás Maduro.