The Venezuelan government, led by President Nicolás Maduro, has abruptly terminated Brazil’s authority to manage Argentine interests in Venezuela, affecting the stewardship of Argentina’s embassy in Caracas. This decision, announced on September 7, 2024, halts Brazil’s role in protecting the embassy, which currently shelters six Venezuelan opposition members seeking asylum.

After the controversial election in Venezuela, Brazil assumed control of the Argentine embassy to maintain Argentine representation in Venezuela after Argentina had cut ties with the Maduro government.

Maduro’s administration claims, without evidence, that assassination plots are being planned within the embassy. The move comes as part of a broader crackdown on opposition members following a disputed presidential election in July.

Brazil has responded firmly, stating it will not relinquish control over the embassy and invoking international law to assert that local authorities cannot breach diplomatic facilities. Brazil’s position is backed by the Vienna Conventions, which safeguard the inviolability of diplomatic missions.

The Argentine embassy has been under scrutiny, with reports of surveillance and power outages affecting the asylum seekers. These individuals sought refuge in the embassy after facing arrest orders from Venezuelan prosecutors.

Tensions have escalated since the July election, which saw Maduro claim victory amid widespread allegations of fraud. Brazil and other South American nations have demanded transparency and have not recognized Maduro’s win without verifiable evidence.

Protests and violence have surged in Venezuela, with Human Rights Watch condemning the government’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators, including the killing of at least 23 protesters. The situation remains highly volatile, with ongoing international and domestic pressures on Maduro’s government.