Maduro-apologist Jeremy Corbyn red-faced after BBC skewering: ‘but he stole the election!’
Jeremy Corbyn’s recent appearance on BBC’s Newsnight has sparked intense debate, as he faced tough questions about his views on Venezuela’s captured leader
Jeremy Corbyn, Co-Founder of Your Party, faced a grilling on BBC’s Newsnight (Image: BBC)
Jeremy Corbyn, Co-Founder of Your Party, faced a grilling on BBC’s Newsnight on Monday over his stance on ousted Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro . The former Labour leader was roasted by host Victoria Derbyshire when he refused to accept Maduro was not Venezuela’s legitimate leader.
The debate became heated when Vanessa Neumann, a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, pulled no punches when discussing Maduro’s fate. “He should have been out of the presidential Palace on 10th January last year,” she declared, adding, “Yeah he does not have immunity and he is a criminal.”
However, when asked if he agreed with Neumann’s assessment, Corbyn was defiant. “No, I don’t accept that,” he said, warning that the US unilaterally removing a head of government sets a dangerous precedent.
The former Labour leader was skewered by host Victoria Derbyshire (Image: BBC)
Derbyshire skewers Corbyn
Derbyshire pressed Corbyn on whether he accepted that Maduro was not the legitimate leader of Venezuela and was a dictator who imprisoned political opponents.
Corbyn dodged the question, stating, “Look there were obviously debates and concerns, there were obviously issues being raised.”
The host interrupted, asking directly if he accepted Maduro wasn’t the legitimate leader. Corbyn responded, “No, I think he was clearly the President of Venezuela and has now been removed.”
Derbyshire skewered Corbyn, interjecting, “But he stole the election!”
Firebrand dismisses election concerns despite expert consensus
Corbyn countered that the election has been a point of contention between Maduro supporters and the opposition for 18 months. However, Derbyshire noted that it wasn’t just the opposition questioning the election’s legitimacy, but also a UN panel of experts, the Carter Center, and independent experts.
The Maduro-apologist dismissed these concerns, instead pointing out that even governments in Latin America who had concerns about the election, such as Mexico and Chile, have strongly opposed Trump’s intervention.
Vanessa Neumann, a key figure in the Venezuelan opposition, pulled no punches (Image: BBC)
Corbyn’s stance on Maduro draws criticism
Despite defending Maduro, Corbyn acknowledged the need for change in Venezuela and the importance of talks between the government and opposition. He urged President Trump to abide by the international rules-based order.
Corbyn also expressed deep concern over the wider implications of Trump’s actions, warning that his threats towards Cuba, Colombia, and Mexico could destabilize the region. “Where’s it going to end?” he asked.
The former Labour leader’s refusal to condemn Maduro as illegitimate and a criminal has drawn sharp criticism, with many accusing him of apologism for the Venezuelan dictator. Corbyn’s position stands in stark contrast to the international consensus on Maduro’s rule and the need for a transition of power in Venezuela.
Maduro remains in US custody, having broken his silence in court in New York after he and his wife were dramatically captured by in Caracas, Venezuela by the American military 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.
