Pirate Parties International on the Crisis in Venezuela

Pirate Parties International (PPI) strongly condemns the reported attack by the United States on Venezuela [1], which constitutes a grave violation of international law.

The use of military force against a sovereign state is a clear breach of the UN Charter, specifically the prohibition of the use of force under Article 2(4). International conflicts must be resolved exclusively through diplomatic and legal channels.

Reports regarding the abduction of Nicolás Maduro and his wife are deeply concerning. If the statements made by Donald Trump [2] [4] are confirmed, they represent serious human rights violations. Regardless of one’s political stance on the government in Caracas, such actions are a breach of international law.

Democratic states must operate according to the principles of the rule of law; it is this very adherence that distinguishes them from autocracies. By bypassing these principles, Trump is equating himself with figures like Vladimir Putin and risks turning the United States into a rogue state.

While Venezuela—despite being one of the world’s most oil-rich nations—has been economically devastated by mismanagement and authoritarian rule, leaving much of its population in poverty, this does not justify military intervention or the abandonment of fundamental legal principles.

To stabilize the situation, the Pirate Party demands that Edmundo González, the legally elected president as of July 2024, be allowed to take office immediately. This is essential to honoring the will of the Venezuelan people and preventing the country from sliding further into chaos.

The PPI calls for:

• Immediate compliance with international law.
• A transparent international investigation into these incidents.
• A return to diplomacy, the protection of human rights, and the strengthening of multilateral institutions.

Sources:
[1] Reuters: Loud noises heard in Venezuela capital
[2] Handelsblatt: US-Angriffe auf Venezuela – Was wir wissen
[3] FAZ Liveblog: Angriff auf Venezuela
[4] Truth Social: @realDonaldTrump Statement