Threats from Venezuelan Minister of the Interior
Venezuelan Minister of the Interior, Diosdado Cabello, known for his connections to drug trafficking, issued a pointed warning to citizens through a video on TikTok. He stated, “to doubt is to betray,” sending a clear message to anyone questioning the current regime.
This video comes amid a turbulent environment in Venezuela, heightened after a January 3 incident where U.S. law enforcement captured former dictator Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The aftermath has left many in a state of uncertainty.
Cabello, a military veteran, has been a significant figure in Venezuelan politics for many years, holding numerous key positions under Chávez and Maduro. He is often regarded as one of the most influential individuals in the country’s socialist government.
Interestingly, Cabello was also part of the military coup against Chávez in 1992 and briefly assumed the presidency during a failed attempt in 2002. He currently holds a title as the Vice President for Policy, National Security, and Peace, which adds another layer to his extensive resume.
Aside from his political roles, he has hosted a socialist propaganda show called con el mazo dando (“Hammer”), which was aired until his channel was suspended in 2024. As of now, he hasn’t launched a new episode since then.
On Monday, Cabello appeared publicly in Caracas with law enforcement officials, emphasizing security measures he claimed to be monitoring. His presence was meant to assure citizens of the “peaceful atmosphere” in the city following recent events.
In two TikTok videos recorded in notable Caracas locations, Cabello and police officers chanted slogans like, “Always loyal, never a traitor,” a phrase that appears to be gaining traction among regime supporters.
“To doubt is to betray,” was repeated multiple times, cementing the tone of unwavering loyalty expected from the public.
Following Maduro’s capture, Cabello was one of the first officials to be seen in public, insisting he was there to “guarantee peace” for the people. He warned against despair and urged vigilance against “invaders,” suggesting that the government had insight into potential foreign collusion related to the attack.
Diosdado Cabello has been implicated in various drug-related charges in the U.S., with a significant bounty placed on his head for information leading to his arrest. Currently, Venezuela is in a state of precarious calm following Maduro’s arrest, and while there is a sense of celebration among the Venezuelan diaspora, locals remain cautious, wary of the regime’s possible retaliations.
The government has declared a “state of emergency,” ostensibly for the “protection of the populace.” However, there are questions about how readily such a decree was executed, given the circumstances surrounding Maduro’s capture.
On a notable note, the police recently arrested two men in Guaraque who were celebrating Maduro’s perceived “kidnapping.” These individuals had vocally opposed the regime, and their actions sparked a response from local law enforcement.
Interestingly, the slogans they shouted echoed Cabello’s own declarations: “Serve with honor” and “Doubting is betrayal,” showing just how intertwined the language of loyalty and dissent has become in the current climate.
