President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador proposed a humanitarian agreement with Venezuela for a prisoner exchange involving 252 deported Venezuelans for the same number of political prisoners. Bukele claimed the detainees in El Salvador are linked to serious crimes while asserting that Venezuelan political prisoners are unjustly held for their opposition to the regime.
Nayib Bukele, the President of El Salvador, has proposed a prisoner exchange with Venezuela, suggesting the repatriation of 252 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador by the United States. In return, he seeks the release of an equal number of political prisoners held by the regime of President Nicolas Maduro. Bukele articulated this proposal on the social media platform X, framing it as a humanitarian agreement.
The Salvadoran leader, who recently visited the White House, conveyed that all the Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador were apprehended during operations targeting gangs, notably Tren de Aragua. This particular gang has been designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S. government. Since mid-August, 288 migrants linked to these gangs have been deported to El Salvador, with the U.S. financing their imprisonment in CECOT, a notorious prison near San Salvador.
Bukele remarked that many Venezuelan detainees faced serious accusations including murder and rape, adding that they were often repeat offenders. He contrasted their situation with that of Venezuelan political prisoners, asserting that the latter have been incarcerated solely for opposing Maduro’s regime and electoral misconduct. He noted that he desires the release of high-profile Venezuelans, including political opponents and activists.
In his request, Bukele highlighted prominent individuals such as Rafael Tudares, journalist Roland Carreno, and activist attorney Rocio San Miguel, among others in need of release. He also referenced approximately 50 foreign nationals, including citizens from the U.S., Europe, and Latin America, who are in similar circumstances.
In conclusion, President Nayib Bukele’s proposal for a prisoner exchange with Venezuela aims to repatriate Venezuelan deportees in return for the release of Venezuelan political prisoners detained by the Maduro regime. Bukele’s position highlights the contrast between criminal accusations facing Venezuelans in custody in El Salvador and the political nature of the imprisoned individuals in Venezuela. The proposal reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and geopolitical relationships in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
