| “If international law only applies to some countries and not others, then it applies to no one,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. |
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AFIC: Australia’s Silence on the US Seizure of Venezuela’s President Undermines International Law and Human Rights
5/01/2026
(See translation in Arabic section)
Sydney-Middle East Times Int'l: The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils (AFIC) condemns the United States’ unlawful seizure of Venezuela’s president and expresses deep concern at the Australian Government’s inadequate and evasive response to this act.
This is a clear violation of international law, national sovereignty, and the most basic principles governing relations between states. Regardless of one’s views about President Maduro or his government, no country has the right to invade another, abduct its leadership, or impose its will through force. That determination belongs solely to the people of Venezuela.
Australia’s failure to unequivocally condemn this action represents yet another moment where principle has been sacrificed for political convenience.
“If international law only applies to some countries and not others, then it applies to no one,” said Dr Rateb Jneid, President of AFIC. “Australia cannot continue to speak about human rights while excusing or ignoring illegal acts carried out by its allies.”
This moment cannot be viewed in isolation. It reflects a broader and deeply dangerous pattern:
• Israel’s ongoing violations of international law, and genocide, in Palestine.
• Russia’s actions in Ukraine,
• And now, the United States itself openly disregarding sovereignty in South America
If these acts are condemned selectively, then the Global North forfeits any credibility it claims on human rights, international order, or the rule of law.
“You cannot condemn one invasion while justifying another. You cannot oppose occupation in one place while enabling it elsewhere,” Dr Jneid said. “This hypocrisy is not lost on the rest of the world.”
AFIC rejects the notion that the character of a foreign leader can be used to justify the usurpation of a nation’s sovereignty or the exploitation of its resources. Such reasoning has historically been the pretext for imperialism, not justice.
Australia must begin setting its own independent foreign policy positions, grounded in law, ethics, and consistency, not reflexive alignment with US power regardless of the consequences.
AFIC stands in solidarity with the people of Venezuela and affirms their right to self determination, political independence, and freedom from foreign interference. These principles are not negotiable and they must apply universally or they mean nothing at all.
History will not judge governments by who their allies were, but by whether they stood on the right side of justice when it mattered.
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AFIC, established in 1964, stands as the Peak Muslim Organisation in Australia, with 170 members including 9 State and Territory Councils. It has a rich history of pioneering numerous community services and actively advocating for the rights and representation of the Muslim community.
Authorised:
Dr Rateb Jneid, President |
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