Nicolás Maduro

On the international stage, observers are pleased, even relieved, by the possibility that a criminal regime is paying a price. Yet for that reason, we must pause and confront the legal question.

Despite holding the world’s largest oil reserves, Venezuela’s oil and mining output remains far below capacity after years of mismanagement, underinvestment and sanctions under Maduro.

Former presidential candidate Edmundo Gonzalez said on Sunday that the capture of former President Nicolas Maduro was "an important step, but not enough."

Maduro’s arrest and Iran’s protests offer hope, but celebrating too early risks dangerous power vacuums.

Havana said there would be two days of mourning on January 5 and 6 in honor of those killed and said funeral arrangements would be announced.

Legal scholars say that although arguments that Maduro's capture was illegal may have merit, they will likely not affect his legal proceedings in US federal court.

Greenland, a former Danish colony, has the right to declare independence under a 2009 agreement but depends heavily on Danish subsidies.

A spokesperson for Hungary's representation to the EU did not immediately respond to a request for comment on why it had not signed the statement.

While Venezuela was not an Iranian proxy in the Syrian or Hezbollah mold, it functioned as an enabler, providing funds that helped sustain Iran’s proxies.

"Seeing Maduro removed from power is very satisfying, honestly," said writer Malul. "We all have lost friends, colleagues, to the regime. So it means a lot to all of us."