Venezuela Cracks Down on Opposition Figures, Accusing Them of Treason

Venezuela's top prosecutor has ordered the arrest of several top opposition figures, accusing them of treason and accepting money from ExxonMobil to sabotage President Nicolás Maduro's recent referendum on annexing a large, oil-rich region in Guyana. The move further undermines prospects for credible elections next year, despite commitments made to the Biden administration in exchange for sanctions relief. The Biden administration has been trying to coax Venezuela into holding elections, but Maduro's government has repeatedly undermined the opposition's ability to mount a meaningful challenge. The allegations of treason put pressure on President Biden to decide whether to continue relying on sanctions relief to push for a real vote.