El Salvador’s President Criticizes Venezuela’s Maduro Over Prisoner Swap Proposal
El Salvador’s President Bukele criticized Venezuela’s Maduro for rejecting a prisoner swap proposal involving Venezuelan deportees and political prisoners. Maduro demanded the release of 250 Venezuelans detained in El Salvador, while Bukele called out Maduro’s commitment to detainee welfare. Their exchange illustrates their political rivalry amid ongoing human rights concerns.
The president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, criticized Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a proposed prisoner swap involving Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. in exchange for political prisoners detained in Venezuela. Bukele argues this exchange is essential, while Maduro demands the release of 250 Venezuelan nationals held in a Salvadoran mega-prison built for gang members.
In a televised address, Maduro condemned Bukele, labeling him a “serial violator of the right to freedom and human dignity.” He urged Bukele to issue a decree to grant unconditional freedom to the deportees instead of proceeding with an exchange.
Bukele responded provocatively on social media, questioning Maduro’s commitment to securing the release of detained Venezuelans. Their exchange highlights the deep-rooted animosity between them, stemming from contrasting political ideologies. While both leaders face accusations concerning democracy and human rights violations, Bukele has increasingly aligned with U.S. interests, contrasting with Maduro’s portrayal as a symbol of democratic decline.
Included in Bukele’s release list are individuals tied to Venezuelan political leadership and asylum seekers, alongside a mother of the prominent opposition figure María Corina Machado. Venezuela has demanded details about all Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador, including their health status, in reaction to Bukele’s proposal.
Through his public comments, Bukele reiterated his call for a prisoner exchange, referencing a previous swap between Venezuela and the Biden administration that involved a Maduro associate. He challenged Maduro directly on social media regarding his commitment to the welfare of the detained Venezuelans.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele and Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro are engaged in a contentious exchange over a proposed prisoner swap. Bukele’s offer for a swap of Venezuelan deportees for political prisoners was rejected by Maduro, who demanded the immediate release of detainees and criticized Bukele’s governance. This incident not only reflects their political discord but also highlights ongoing concerns regarding human rights and democratic principles in both nations.
Original Source: apnews.com
