Venezuela still hopeful of Maduro’s release? Interim govt forms panel to seek captured leader’s freedom

Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has announced the formation of a special commission to work toward freeing former president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, after their capture by US forces.

Rodríguez’s decision comes just days after a shocking US military operation in Caracas resulted in Maduro and Flores being removed from power and taken to the United States, where Maduro now faces drug‑trafficking and terrorism charges. He is currently jailed in New York and due in court on Monday, according to authorities.

Who’s on the commission?

Rodríguez tapped some of her closest allies to lead the effort. Her brother, Jorge Rodríguez, who heads Venezuela’s National Assembly, and Foreign Minister Yván Gil will co‑chair the commission. Information Minister Freddy Ñáñez will also serve as a member. Their mission is to lobby for the return of Maduro and his wife and challenge what they see as an unlawful seizure of Venezuela’s leadership.

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The formation of this commission shows just how seriously Rodríguez and her government are taking the situation. While the United States insists its military action was justified, Venezuela’s interim leadership has rejected the US narrative and continues to portray Maduro as the country’s legitimate leader.

Venezuela’s leadership turmoil

Rodríguez rose to the interim presidency after Maduro’s unexpected removal, with the Supreme Court ruling she should step in to “guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the nation,” according to reports.

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The military has backed her leadership, at least officially, as political uncertainty grips the capital Caracas and beyond. However, Rodríguez has maintained a defiant stance toward the United States, insisting that Maduro remains Venezuela’s true president and demanding his immediate release.

The commission’s creation comes amid widespread international criticism of the US operation. Countries such as China condemned the capture of Maduro and his wife as a violation of international law and have called for their immediate release.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei weighed in, saying, “What’s important is when one realises an enemy wants to force something on one’s govt. or nation with false claims, they must stand firmly against that enemy.” He added, “We won’t give in to them. With reliance on God & confidence in the people’s support, we’ll bring the enemy to its knees.”

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also responded on X, writing: “Alerting the whole world that they have attacked Venezuela.” He stressed, “The Republic of Colombia reiterates its conviction that peace, respect for international law, and the protection of life and human dignity must prevail over any form of armed confrontation.”