The Guyanese government warns of treason charges for supporting Venezuelan elections in the disputed Essequibo region. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn highlighted the presence of Venezuelan “sleepers” in Guyana. Additionally, Guyana has requested the International Court of Justice to block Venezuelan electoral activities while deporting recent illegal entrants.
The Guyanese government has expressed awareness of the presence of Venezuelan “sleepers” within its borders. Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn stated that anyone supporting Venezuela’s electoral processes in the disputed Essequibo region will face charges of treason. He specified that if a Guyanese individual is appointed as Governor of Essequibo, they will be prosecuted accordingly.
Recently, Guyana has appealed to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague to prevent Venezuela from conducting electoral activities in Essequibo amidst an existing border dispute. The Foreign Ministry articulated concerns that upcoming Venezuelan elections on May 25 could infringe upon Guyana’s sovereignty and affect its citizens.
Venezuela currently claims the Essequibo region as its own, planning elections for a Governor and Legislative Council in a territory that comprises approximately two-thirds of Guyana. Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Electoral Council Chairman Elvis Amoroso have announced plans to organize these elections in the alleged “Guayana Esequiba State.”
In 2023, Venezuela reportedly asserted that a majority of eligible voters participated in a referendum favoring its claim to Essequibo. Guyana is involved in a pending case with the ICJ regarding the validity of a historical arbitral award that defined the territorial boundaries between the two nations, which was submitted in March 2018.
In a related development, Guyana authorities recently deported 75 Venezuelan nationals, including nine children, after their illegal landing near Essequibo Coast. The deported individuals received humane treatment and basic necessities before being returned to their home country by the Guyana Defence Force Coast Guard. They were reported to have not complied with immigration protocols upon arrival.
In summary, the Guyanese government is taking a firm stance against any support of Venezuelan elections in the disputed Essequibo region, threatening treason charges for violators. The situation is further complicated by ongoing legal proceedings before the ICJ concerning territorial claims. Moreover, recent actions by Guyana, including the deportation of Venezuelan nationals, illustrate its commitment to maintaining sovereignty over the Essequibo area.
Original Source: trinidadexpress.com
