By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
A directive from BBC News editors instructing journalists not to describe the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as a “kidnapping” has sparked controversy, placing the broadcaster at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump’s own terminology.
Socialist commentator Owen Jones revealed an internal BBC memo on X, which stated that while journalists could use “captured” (if attributed to U.S. sources) or “seized,” they must “Avoid using ‘Kidnapped.’
“This editorial guidance clashes with comments from President Trump. When asked about Venezuelan Interim President Delcy Rodríguez’s use of the term “kidnapping” for Maduro’s detention, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One, “It’s alright. It’s not a bad term.”
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, pleaded not guilty in a New York court to narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy charges.
During the hearing, Maduro declared he was “kidnapped” and “a prisoner of war,” while Flores asserted her status as Venezuela’s first lady.
Following the operation, Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice president, was sworn in as Venezuela’s new leader in Caracas. Trump asserted the U.S. was now “in charge” of Venezuela, warning its interim government to cooperate or pay a “very big price.”