THIS is with reference to the report “Son pleads Imran’s case before UN rights body” (March 26), alleging violations of international human rights conventions. I wonder if Nicolas Maduro Guerra, the only son of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, from his first wife, and three stepsons of his second wife Cilia Flores from her first husband, could file a similar petition with the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Nicolas Maduro, a popular leader and president of a sovereign state, and his wife were kidnapped in a most horrifying manner by American commandos. War-

planes were sent to capture him, and in the process 83 Venezuelans died. He has been kept in solitary confinement at the Brooklyn prison, one of the most notorious jails in the United States where sanitary conditions are said to be of the worst kind. He has been kept in a cell with no access to visitors, newspapers or the internet.

The incarcerated president has been indicted in a New York court, where he has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He has so far not been convicted. He and his wife have been imprisoned for the last three months without legal recourse, as their lawyer of choice has not been issued a licence to plead their case in a court by the US government. Is this not a blatant violation of basic constitutional rights?

Khaled
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2026