Maduro-apologist Jeremy Corbyn skewered by Victoria Derbyshire | Politics | News
Your Party Co-Founder Jeremy Corbyn came under fire on BBC’s News Night on Monday for his stance on deposed Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. The former Labor leader was angered by host Victoria Derbyshire when he refused to accept that Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela.
The debate escalated after Vanessa Neumann, a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, did not take a harsh stance when discussing Maduro’s fate. “He should have left the Presidential Palace on January 10 last year,” he said, adding: “Yes, he has no immunity and he is a criminal.”
But Corbyn was defiant when asked whether he agreed with Neumann’s assessment. “No, I do not accept this,” he said, warning that the US unilaterally dismissing a head of government sets a dangerous precedent.
Derbyshire skewers Corbyn
Derbyshire pressed Corbyn on whether he accepts that Maduro is not the legitimate leader of Venezuela and is a dictator who imprisons his political opponents.
Corbyn brushed off the question, saying: “Look, there were clearly discussions and concerns, there were issues that were clearly raised.”
The presenter interrupted him and asked directly whether he acknowledged that Maduro was not the legitimate leader. Corbyn responded: “No, I think he was clearly the President of Venezuela and has now been dismissed.”
Derbyshire chimed in, distorting Corbyn: “But he stole the election!”
Firebrand dismisses election concerns despite expert consensus
Corbyn disputed this, saying the election had been a point of contention between Maduro supporters and the opposition for 18 months. However, Derbyshire noted that it was not just the opposition that questioned the legitimacy of the election, but also the UN expert panel, the Carter Center and a panel of independent experts.
Maduro’s apologist dismissed those concerns and instead noted that even Latin American governments with concerns about elections, such as Mexico and Chile, have strongly opposed Trump’s intervention.
Corbyn’s attitude towards Maduro draws criticism
Despite his defense of Maduro, Corbyn acknowledged the need for change in Venezuela and the importance of talks between the government and opposition. He called on President Trump to abide by the international rules-based order.
Corbyn also expressed deep concern about the wider consequences of Trump’s actions, warning that his threats against Cuba, Colombia and Mexico could destabilize the region. “Where will it end?” he asked.
The former Labor Party leader’s refusal to condemn Maduro as illegitimate and criminal sparked harsh criticism; many accused him of apologizing on behalf of the Venezuelan dictator. Corbyn’s stance stands in stark contrast to the international consensus on Maduro’s rule and the need to transfer power in Venezuela.
Maduro remains in US custody, breaking his silence in court in New York following the dramatic capture of him and his wife by the American military in Caracas, Venezuela, over the weekend. The disgraced leader is accused of “narco-terrorism” conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy, and possession of machine guns and destructive devices against the United States.
