Maduro's government arrests American journalist, expels German ambassador from Caracas

As the crisis in Venezuela continues, President Nicolás Maduro's counterintelligence forces have begun to crack down on citizens of foreign countries that have announced their support of opposition leader Juan Guaidó.

Authorities raided the homes of American journalist Cody Weddle and his assistant, Carlos Camacho, a Venezuelan citizen, early Wednesday morning in Caracas. The two remain in custody.

The U.S. State Department has demanded Weddle's immediate release.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

Maduro's government has reportedly already detained 36 journalists in the country this year.

In addition to Weddle and Camacho, the Venezuelan government expelled Daniel Kriener, the German ambassador, after he met Guaidó at the Caracas airport during the latter's triumphant return to the country. Both Germany and the United States are among the numerous nations that have recognized Guaidó as Venezuela's legitimate interim president, and have called for Maduro to step aside.