Challenges in the Life of Nicolás Maduro in a Detailed Timeline

4 hours ago : Trump Aides Advocate for Maduro's Ousting Amidst Venezuelan Political Turmoil and Criticism.

Top Trump aides are reportedly pushing for the ousting of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s leader, amidst what is described as a path to annihilation. Maduro's leadership faces increasing scrutiny and opposition, potentially escalating the existing political crisis.

September 2006: Brief Detention at JFK Airport

In September 2006, Nicolás Maduro was briefly detained by Homeland Security officers at John F. Kennedy International Airport for around 90 minutes after paying for airline tickets in cash.

April 2013: Maduro Elected President

In April 2013, Nicolás Maduro was elected president of Venezuela, narrowly defeating opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. The election results were contested, with Capriles demanding a recount.

June 2013: Conflicting Birthplace Claims by Maduro and Allies

In June 2013, two months after assuming the presidency, Maduro claimed in a press conference in Rome that he was born in Caracas, in Los Chaguaramos, in San Pedro Parish. During an interview with a Spanish journalist, also in June 2013, Elías Jaua claimed that Maduro was born in El Valle parish, in the Libertador Municipality of Caracas.

October 2013: Tibisay Lucena's Claim on Maduro's Birthplace

In October 2013, Tibisay Lucena, head of the National Electoral Council, asserted on the Globovisión TV show Vladimir a la 1 that Maduro was born in La Candelaria Parish in Caracas, showing copies of the registry presentation book of all the newborns the day when allegedly Maduro was born.

November 2013: Maduro Granted Power to Rule by Decree

Beginning six months after being elected, from 19 November 2013 to 19 November 2014, Maduro was granted the power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature to address the ongoing economic crisis.

2013: Venezuela dropped in the Press Freedom Index

Between 2013 and 2023 Venezuela dropped 42 places in the Press Freedom Index.

2013: Anti-gay attacks during presidential campaign

During the presidential campaign of 2013, Maduro used anti-gay attacks as a political weapon, calling representatives of the opposition "faggots".

2013: Media outlet shutdowns

In 2013, Nicolás Maduro's first tenure began, marking the start of the shutdown of 115 media outlets, including 41 print outlets, 65 radio outlets and 9 television channels.

2013: Questions Arise Regarding Maduro's Nationality

In 2013, questions arose regarding Nicolás Maduro's birthplace and nationality. Doubts were cast on whether he could hold the office of the presidency, given Article 227 of the Venezuelan constitution. After his triumph in the 2013 presidential elections, opposition deputies warned that they would investigate the double nationality of Maduro.

2013: Evidence about the presumed non-existence of ineligibility conditions of Maduro

In 2013, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile decreed the nullity of the 2013 presidential elections after lawyer Enrique Aristeguieta Gramcko presented evidence about the presumed non-existence of ineligibility conditions of Maduro to be elected and to hold the office of the presidency

2013: Possible assistance for Maduro's campaign

In November 2016, Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas, two nephews of Maduro's wife, were found guilty in a US court of conspiracy to import cocaine, with some of their funds possibly assisting Maduro's presidential campaign in the 2013 Venezuelan presidential election.

2013: Decline in World Press Freedom Index

Since 2013, Venezuela's rank on the World Press Freedom Index of Reporters Without Borders has dropped 42 places.

2013: PROVEA reports on violations of personal integrity

Since Maduro took office in 2013, the Venezuelan human rights organization PROVEA has identified more than 43,000 people whose "right to personal integrity" has been violated.

2013: Accusations of Authoritarian Leadership Begin

Since taking office in 2013, Nicolás Maduro has been accused of authoritarian leadership.

February 2014: Venezuela situation referred to ICC

On 27 September 2018, six states parties to the Rome Statute referred the situation in Venezuela since 12 February 2014 to the ICC, requesting the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to initiate an investigation on crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the territory.

March 2014: Venezuela Breaks Relations with Panama

On 6 March 2014, Nicolás Maduro announced that Venezuela was breaking diplomatic and commercial relations with Panama, following Panama's president expressing support for protestors and calling for an OAS investigation.

November 2014: End of First Decree Power Period

On 19 November 2014, the period in which Maduro was granted power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature ended.

2014: Conflicting Official Declarations on Maduro's Birthplace

By 2014, the Venezuela government had shared four different birthplaces of Maduro. Táchira state's governor José Vielma Mora assured that Maduro was born in El Palotal sector of San Antonio del Táchira. In June 2013, Maduro claimed he was born in Caracas, in Los Chaguaramos, in San Pedro Parish. During an interview with a Spanish journalist, also in June 2013, Elías Jaua claimed that Maduro was born in El Valle parish, in the Libertador Municipality of Caracas.

2014: Protests Due to Shortages and Decreased Living Standards

In 2014, shortages and decreased living standards led to widespread protests in Venezuela.

February 2015: Arrest of Antonio Ledezma

In February 2015, Antonio Ledezma was arrested as part of government actions responding to alleged coup attempts.

March 2015: Maduro Granted Power to Rule by Decree Again

From 15 March 2015 to 31 December 2015, Maduro was again granted the power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature to address the ongoing economic crisis.

March 2015: Mario Silva Claims Maduro Suffered Psychological Attacks

In March 2015, on the TV program La Hojilla, Mario Silva, a TV personality of the main state-run channel Venezolana de Televisión, stated that Maduro had received about 13 million psychological attacks.

November 2015: Maduro's nephews apprehended for cocaine distribution

In November 2015, after Maduro's nephews were apprehended by the US Drug Enforcement Administration for the illegal distribution of cocaine, carrying diplomatic passports, Maduro criticized "attacks and imperialist ambushes" on Twitter.

December 2015: End of Second Decree Power Period

On 31 December 2015, the period in which Maduro was granted power to rule by decree by the pre-2015 Venezuelan legislature ended.

2015: Amnesty International Report Details Extrajudicial Executions Between 2015 and 2017

A 2018 Amnesty International report found that between 2015 and 2017 there were 8,292 extrajudicial executions carried out.

2015: Supreme Tribunal Filled with Maduro Allies

After the opposition won the 2015 parliamentary elections, the lame duck National Assembly filled the Supreme Tribunal of Justice with Maduro allies.

2015: Opposition-Led National Assembly Elected

In 2015, an opposition-led National Assembly was elected in Venezuela.

2015: Possible assistance for Venezuelan parliamentary elections

In November 2016, Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas, two nephews of Maduro's wife, were found guilty in a US court of conspiracy to import cocaine, potentially assisting the 2015 Venezuelan parliamentary elections.

2015: Began Ruling by Decree

Since 2015, Nicolás Maduro has ruled Venezuela by decree, using powers granted by the ruling party legislature.

January 2016: OAS Threatens Democratic Charter Invocation

In January 2016, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), Luis Almagro, threatened to invoke the Inter-American Democratic Charter after opposition National Assembly members were barred from taking their seats. Human rights organizations called for the OAS to invoke the Democratic Charter.

January 2016: Supreme Tribunal Grants Maduro Decree Power

Starting on 15 January 2016, the Supreme Tribunal granted Maduro decree power to address the economic crisis, a move condemned by the Venezuelan opposition.

April 2016: Maduro Changes Birthplace Narrative Again

In April 2016, during a cadena nacional, Maduro changed his birthplace narrative once more, stating that he was born in Los Chaguaramos, specifically in Valle Abajo, and added that he was baptized in the San Pedro church.

May 2016: Opposition Calls for Recall Referendum

In May 2016, Venezuelan opposition leaders delivered a petition to the National Electoral Council (CNE) calling for a recall referendum to remove Maduro from office.

May 2016: OAS Involvement and Maduro's Accusations

In May 2016, opposition members of the National Assembly asked the OAS to implement the Democratic Charter. The Maduro government then called for a meeting with the OAS, with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Delcy Rodríguez accusing the United States and the OAS of attempting to overthrow Maduro. Maduro called OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro "a traitor" and claimed he worked for the CIA.

July 2016: Detainment of Opposition Activists

On 5 July 2016, the Venezuelan intelligence service detained five opposition activists involved with the recall referendum, and two other activists of the same party were also arrested.

August 2016: Recall Process Continues

On 1 August 2016, the CNE announced that enough signatures had been validated for the recall process to continue, although disputes arose over the timing of the referendum.

October 2016: Supreme Tribunal's Ruling on Maduro's Birthplace

On 28 October 2016, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice issued a ruling asserting with certainty that Maduro was born in Caracas on 23 November 1962, based on "incontrovertible evidence." The ruling quoted a communiqué from the Colombian vice-minister of foreign affairs stating that no information was found to suggest Maduro was a Colombian national. The Supreme Court warned against "sowing doubts about the origins of the president."

November 2016: Maduro's nephews found guilty of conspiracy to import cocaine

In November 2016, Efraín Antonio Campo Flores and Francisco Flores de Freitas, two nephews of Maduro's wife, were found guilty in a US court of conspiracy to import cocaine.

2016: Calls for Investigation into Maduro's Nationality

In 2016, a group of Venezuelans petitioned the National Assembly to investigate whether Maduro was Colombian, citing doubts about his origins and his refusal to show his birth certificate. Former members of the Electoral Council also requested that Tibisay Lucena publicly exhibit documents certifying Maduro's compliance with constitutional articles regarding nationality. Diario Las Américas claimed to have access to birth inscriptions of Maduro's mother and uncle in Colombia.

2016: Recall Movement Begins

In 2016, a movement to recall Nicolás Maduro began but was later cancelled by his government.

2016: Accusations of Dictatorship

In 2016, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice refused to acknowledge the National Assembly's recall attempts, leading to widespread accusations of Maduro being a dictator. Foreign Affairs described it as a "full-on dictatorship," Javier Corrales noted Venezuela's "transition to a full dictatorship" in Americas Quarterly, and OAS General Secretary Luis Almagro stated that Maduro was becoming a dictator.

2016: Venezuelan government targeting political opponents

Since 2016, the Venezuelan government has "aimed at neutralising, repressing and criminalising political opponents and people critical of the government".

April 2017: ICC Prosecutor's report on crimes against humanity

On 14 December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor released a report stating that it believed there was a "reasonable basis" to think that "since at least April 2017, civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and pro-government individuals have committed the crimes against humanity."

May 2017: Maduro Proposes Constituent Assembly Election

In May 2017, Nicolás Maduro proposed the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election, which faced wide international condemnation.

July 2017: Constituent Assembly Election and US Sanctions

On 30 July 2017, the Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election was held despite international condemnation. Following this election, the United States sanctioned Maduro, labeling him a "dictator".

July 2017: United States sanctions Maduro.

On July 31, 2017, the United States sanctioned Maduro after the Constituent Assembly election, making him the fourth foreign head of state to be sanctioned by the United States. Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin stated "Maduro is a dictator who disregards the will of the Venezuelan people". Maduro responded during his victory speech, stating "I don't obey imperial orders. I'm against the Ku Klux Klan that governs the White House, and I'm proud to feel that way."

August 2017: Luisa Ortega accuses Maduro of profiting from shortages

In August 2017, Luisa Ortega Díaz accused Maduro of profiting from the shortages in Venezuela through contracts with Group Grand Limited.

August 2017: Trump Considers Military Option in Venezuela

On 11 August 2017, President Donald Trump stated that he was not ruling out a military option to confront the government of Nicolás Maduro.

2017: Amnesty International Report Details Extrajudicial Executions Between 2015 and 2017

A 2018 Amnesty International report found that between 2015 and 2017 there were 8,292 extrajudicial executions carried out.

2017: Investigations into FAES agents

Although Venezuelan authorities told the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that 388 agents were under investigation for crimes committed between 2017 and 2019, the OHCHR also reported that institutions usually do not conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into human rights violations.

2017: Venezuela Downgraded to Authoritarian Regime

In 2017, The Economist Intelligence Unit downgraded Venezuela from a hybrid regime to an authoritarian regime, reflecting "Venezuela's continued slide towards dictatorship" due to the government sidelining the opposition-dominated National Assembly, jailing or disenfranchising opposition politicians, and violently suppressing opposition protests.

2017: Sanctions imposed on government officials after Constituent Assembly election.

In 2017, following the 2017 Venezuelan Constituent Assembly election, the United States Department of Treasury sanctioned thirteen government officials due to their involvement. Two months later, the Canadian government also sanctioned members of the Maduro government, including Maduro, preventing Canadian nationals from engaging in property and financial deals with them due to the rupture of Venezuela's constitutional order.

2017: Constitutional Crisis and Protests

In 2017, the Supreme Tribunal removed power from the National Assembly, resulting in a constitutional crisis and protests. Maduro called for a rewrite of the constitution, and the Constituent Assembly of Venezuela was elected under irregular conditions.

2017: International Condemnation and Sanctions

In 2017, the Supreme Tribunal took over the National Assembly's legislative powers, sparking a constitutional crisis. The United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned President Maduro, labeling him a dictator and barring him from the United States. Chilean President Sebastián Piñera also called Maduro a dictator. Human Rights Watch described the situation as Venezuela tightening its hold on democracy. The Financial Times discussed international censure of Maduro, and the Chicago Tribune's editorial board stated that the Trump administration should have no illusions about Maduro's dictatorial intentions.

2017: Government Vows Recall Will Not Occur Until 2017

The Venezuelan Government vowed a recall referendum would not occur until 2017, ensuring the current vice president would potentially come to power. This occurred after the CNE announced enough signatures had been validated for the recall process to continue in August 2016.

January 2018: Supreme Tribunal in Exile Declares 2013 Elections Null

On 11 January 2018, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile decreed the nullity of the 2013 presidential elections after evidence was presented about Maduro's ineligibility. Aristeguieta argued that Maduro is "Colombian by birth" and the Constitutional Chamber requested a certified copy of the president's birth certificate and his resignation from Colombian nationality.

February 2018: ICC opens preliminary probes into alleged crimes against humanity

In February 2018, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced that it would open preliminary probes into the alleged crimes against humanity performed by Venezuelan authorities.

March 2018: Pastrana's Reference to Maduro's Mother's Baptism Certificate

In March 2018, former Colombian president Andrés Pastrana referenced the baptism certificate of Maduro's mother, noting that the document reiterates her Colombian origin and, therefore, Maduro's Colombian citizenship.

March 2018: Panama sanctions Maduro.

On March 29, 2018, the Panamanian government sanctioned Maduro for his alleged involvement with "money laundering, financing of terrorism and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction".

May 2018: Accusations of Dictatorship During Presidential Elections

In May 2018, during the Venezuelan presidential elections, The New York Times highlighted accusations of Maduro being a dictator. Miguel Angel Latouche, a political science professor, stated, "Venezuela is now a dictatorship." CNN reported that US Republicans were using the term Venezuelan dictator to describe a Democratic candidate. Roger Noriega described Maduro's regime as a "lawless regime" and "narcodictatorship" that had driven Venezuela to the brink of collapse.

May 2018: US sanctions against Diosdado Cabello

On 18 May 2018, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury placed sanctions in effect against Diosdado Cabello, who allegedly directed drug trafficking activities with Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami while dividing drug profits with President Maduro.

May 20, 2018: International Leaders Condemn Maduro as Dictator

On May 20, 2018, after Maduro's fraudulent and anti-democratic elections, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau labeled Maduro an "illegitimate dictator" responsible for "terrible oppression" and the humanitarian crisis. The Canadian minister of foreign affairs, Chrystia Freeland, stated that the Maduro regime was "fully entrenched as a dictatorship." Presidents Mauricio Macri of Argentina and Jair Bolsonaro of Brazil also condemned what they called Maduro's dictatorship.

August 2018: Drone Attack on Maduro

On 4 August 2018, at least two drones armed with explosives detonated in the area where Nicolás Maduro was delivering an address to military officers in Venezuela. It is debated whether this was an assassination attempt or a false flag operation.

August 2018: Maduro sentenced to prison by Supreme Tribunal of Justice in exile.

On August 15, 2018, Maduro was sentenced to 18 years and 3 months in prison by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice of Venezuela in exile. The exiled high court cited sufficient evidence of corruption and money laundering. Luis Almagro, the Organization of American States Secretary General, supported the verdict and called on the Venezuelan National Assembly to recognize the ruling.

September 2018: Six states parties refer Venezuela situation to ICC

On 27 September 2018, six states parties to the Rome Statute, including Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Chile, Paraguay and Peru, referred the situation in Venezuela since 12 February 2014 to the ICC, requesting the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda to initiate an investigation on crimes against humanity allegedly committed in the territory.

2018: Amnesty International Report on Human Rights Violations

A 2018 Amnesty International report accused Nicolás Maduro's government of committing severe human rights violations in Venezuela, including thousands of extrajudicial executions between 2015 and 2017.

2018: Conviction of FAES agents

Although Venezuelan authorities told the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) that five FAES agents were convicted on charges including attempted murder for crimes committed in 2018, the OHCHR also reported that institutions usually do not conduct prompt, effective, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigations into human rights violations.

2018: Media outlet shutdowns

By 2018, during Nicolás Maduro's first tenure, 115 media outlets had been shut down, including 41 print outlets, 65 radio outlets and 9 television channels.

2018: OAS Alleged Crimes Against Humanity

In 2018, a Board of Independent Experts designated by the Organization of American States (OAS) alleged that crimes against humanity had been committed in Venezuela during Maduro's presidency.

2018: Maduro Targeted in Drone Attack During Rally

In 2018, during a speech to rally supporters, Maduro was targeted by two drones that exploded.

January 2019: Maduro banned from entering Colombia.

In January 2019, Maduro was included in a list of 200 people with close ties to the Nicolás Maduro regime and banned from entering Colombia.

January 2019: Condemnation of Second Inauguration

In January 2019, Nicolás Maduro's second inauguration was widely condemned and led to further commentary in publications such as the Irish Times, the Times, the Council on Foreign Relations, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and the Economist that Maduro had consolidated power and become a dictator.

January 2019: Maduro Sworn In Amidst Condemnation and Guaido Declared Interim President

On 10 January 2019, Nicolás Maduro was sworn in as president amidst widespread condemnation. Minutes later, the OAS declared his presidency illegitimate. On 23 January 2019, Juan Guaidó was declared interim president, supported by several countries, while Russia, China, and Cuba supported Maduro.

January 2019: Swearing-In and Presidential Crisis

On 10 January 2019, President Maduro was sworn in amidst widespread condemnation. On 23 January 2019, Juan Guaidó was declared interim president, beginning a presidential crisis.

January 2019: Venezuela Breaks Ties with the United States

On 23 January 2019, Nicolás Maduro announced that Venezuela was breaking ties with the United States after President Trump recognized Juan Guaidó as the interim President of Venezuela.

February 2019: Polls indicate declining support for Maduro during presidential crisis.

In February 2019, during the presidential crisis, Meganálisis recorded that 4.1% of Venezuelans recognized Maduro as president, while Hinterlaces found that 57% recognized him as the legitimate president. Datanálisis found that Maduro's support among the poorest 20% of Venezuelans had fallen to 18%.

March 2019: Over 50 Countries Do Not Recognize Maduro as President

As of March 2019, over 50 countries, the OAS, and the Lima Group did not recognize Nicolás Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela.

March 2019: Poll finds Maduro's approval at all-time low.

By March 4, 2019, a Datanálisis poll found Guaidó's approval at 61%, and Maduro's at an all-time low of 14%. In a theoretical election, Guaidó would win with 77% of the vote, while Maduro would receive 23%.

March 2019: Report on Maduro losing grip on Venezuela's poor

In March 2019, The Wall Street Journal reported that barrios are turning against Maduro and that "many blame government brutality for the shift".

April 2019: US Department of State allegations of human rights violations

In April 2019, the US Department of State alleged that Venezuela, "led by Nicolas Maduro, has consistently violated the human rights and dignity of its citizens" and "driven a once prosperous nation into economic ruin with his authoritarian rule".

June 2019: Journalists denied access to National Assembly

As of June 2019, journalists have been denied access to seven sessions of the National Assembly by the National Guard.

September 2019: Human Rights Watch report on arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions

In September 2019, a report by Human Rights Watch indicated that the poor communities in Venezuela no longer in support of Maduro's government have witnessed arbitrary arrests and extrajudicial executions at the hands of Venezuelan police unit.

October 2019: Alleged Contract Between Guaido and Silvercorp USA

Jordan Goudreau claimed that in October 2019, Juan Guaidó and two political advisers had signed a contract with him for US$213 million for an operation.

2019: Criticism from Former Chief of Staff and Economic Policy Shifts

In 2019, Maduro's former chief of staff criticized his leadership. However, the Maduro government also abandoned socialist policies due to increased international sanctions, leading to an economic rebound. The Economist noted income from gold and narcotics sales.

2019: Violations of freedom of expression

In 2019, during the first seven months, the Press and Society Institute of Venezuela found at least 350 cases of violations of freedom of expression.

2019: UN report on human rights violations

In 2019, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressed extrajudicial executions, torture, enforced disappearances, and other rights violations allegedly committed by Venezuelan security forces in recent years.

March 2020: US Department of Justice charges against Maduro for narco-terrorism

On 26 March 2020, the United States Department of Justice charged Maduro and other Venezuelan officials for what William Barr described as "narco-terrorism".

May 2020: Attempted Overthrow by Armed Dissidents

On 3 May 2020, Venezuelan security forces prevented an attempt to overthrow Maduro by armed Venezuelan dissidents organized by Silvercorp USA. The Venezuelan government accused the US and Colombia of involvement, while Guaidó denied involvement.

December 2020: ICC Prosecutor's report on crimes against humanity

On 14 December 2020, the Office of the Prosecutor released a report stating that it believed there was a "reasonable basis" to think that "since at least April 2017, civilian authorities, members of the armed forces and pro-government individuals have committed the crimes against humanity."

September 2021: Report on Venezuelan justice system

On 16 September 2021, the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela released its second report on the country's situation, concluding that the independence of the Venezuelan justice system under Maduro has been deeply eroded to the extent of playing an important role in aiding the state repression and perpetuating state impunity for human rights violations.

November 2021: ICC opens investigation regarding the situation in Venezuela

On 4 November 2021, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan announced the opening of an investigation regarding the situation in Venezuela.

2021: ICC Opened Investigation

In 2021, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the opening of an investigation regarding the situation in Venezuela.

October 2022: Maduro's nephews freed in prisoner swap

In October 2022, Maduro's nephews were freed in a prisoner swap for seven jailed Americans.

2023: Venezuela dropped in the Press Freedom Index

Between 2013 and 2023 Venezuela dropped 42 places in the Press Freedom Index.

September 2024: Arrest warrant issued against Maduro by Argentine court.

In September 2024, an Argentine federal court issued an arrest warrant against Maduro and several other Venezuelan officials for crimes against humanity.

September 2024: Arrests of Alleged Assassination Attempt Perpetrators

In September 2024, the Venezuelan police captured and arrested three Americans, two Spaniards, and a Czech national carrying sniper rifles and other munitions to allegedly assassinate Maduro. Diosdado Cabello blamed the CIA and Spanish intelligence for the coup attempt and announced the arrest of a US military active-duty member.