Biden May Offer Amnesty to Maduro Despite Bounty

The Biden administration is reportedly exploring the possibility of offering amnesty to Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan dictator facing multiple narcoterrorism charges in the U.S. This potential deal, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, would involve Maduro relinquishing power following a disputed presidential election held on July 28, which many countries and organizations have condemned as fraudulent. The U.S. is said to be discussing pardons for Maduro and his top officials, along with guarantees against extradition. Maduro has maintained his grip on power since 2013, succeeding Hugo Chávez, and has been accused of leading a drug cartel that engages in asymmetric warfare against the U.S. by flooding the country with cocaine. The U.S. has placed a $15 million bounty on Maduro, reflecting the serious nature of the charges against him. The recent election, which Maduro claims to have won, has sparked widespread protests in Venezuela, met with violent repression from the regime, resulting in at least 24 deaths and over 2,000 arrests. Despite previous concessions from the Biden administration, including sanction relief and the release of Maduro's associates, reports indicate that Maduro remains skeptical of U.S. intentions. An unnamed senior official from the Biden administration denied the amnesty claims, stating that the U.S. is considering various options to pressure Maduro into recognizing the election results. The situation remains tense as the administration navigates its approach to the controversial leader.