El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele criticized Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a proposed prisoner swap involving Venezuelan deportees. Maduro demanded the release of 250 Venezuelans from an El Salvador mega-prison. Bukele retaliated on social media, questioning Maduro’s previous claims regarding the detainees’ release, emphasizing the long-standing animosity rooted in differing political views.
El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, expressed disappointment on Tuesday over Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s refusal to accept a proposed prisoner swap involving deported Venezuelans from the United States. Bukele’s proposal aimed to exchange these individuals for what he referred to as political prisoners in Venezuela, with Maduro demanding the immediate release of 250 Venezuelans currently held in a mega-prison designed for gang members in El Salvador.
During his weekly televised address, Maduro criticized Bukele, labeling him as a “serial violator of the right to freedom, fair treatment, and human dignity,” and urged Bukele to issue a decree for the unconditional release of the deportees rather than pursue a swap. Bukele, in a retort posted on X, questioned Maduro’s commitment to securing the release of those detained in El Salvador, referring to his previous assurances.
The exchange of barbs between Bukele and Maduro highlights the long-standing tensions between the two leaders, who represent starkly contrasting political ideologies. Both administrations have faced significant international criticism regarding their democratic and human rights records, with Bukele leaning towards closer ties with U.S. officials, while Maduro is viewed as a figure of democratic erosion by right-wing parties.
Bukele’s list of individuals he wants released includes the son-in-law of former Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo González and several political leaders currently seeking asylum at the Argentine Embassy in Venezuela. He also mentioned 50 detainees from various nationalities.
Maduro’s government reacted vehemently to Bukele’s proposal, demanding a comprehensive list of detained Venezuelans in El Salvador along with their health conditions. Bukele reiterated his initial proposal through social media, referencing a recent prisoner swap between Venezuela and the Biden administration involving one of Maduro’s allies. “Weren’t you the one who said you would do ‘whatever it takes’ to secure the release of the Venezuelans detained in El Salvador?” Bukele wrote on X, directly addressing Maduro.
In summary, the ongoing dispute between Presidents Bukele and Maduro underscores the strained relations and differing political ideologies between El Salvador and Venezuela. The failure to agree on a prisoner exchange has highlighted the human rights concerns and the complex diplomatic relationships involving both leaders. Furthermore, the situation reflects broader tensions in Latin America, where both administrations are scrutinized for their governance practices and humanitarian record.
Original Source: apnews.com
