Nayib Bukele, President of El Salvador, proposed a humanitarian exchange with Venezuela, offering to return 252 Venezuelans deported by the U.S. for an equal number of political prisoners held by Nicolas Maduro. Bukele criticized the treatment of political prisoners in Venezuela and emphasized the violent backgrounds of the detained Venezuelans in El Salvador. This proposal points to ongoing geopolitical tensions and human rights issues.
President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador has proposed a prisoner exchange with Venezuela, suggesting a repatriation of 252 Venezuelans deported to El Salvador by the United States. In return, Bukele requests the release of an equal number of political prisoners held by President Nicolas Maduro’s government. He articulated this proposal via social media, emphasizing a humanitarian approach to the exchange.
In his statement, Bukele clarified that the Venezuelans currently detained were apprehended as part of anti-gang operations targeting groups like Tren de Aragua. He noted that within a short timeframe, many gang-affiliated migrants, deemed terrorists by the Trump administration, have been extradited to El Salvador and are now housed in the country’s CECOT prison.
This move follows increasing tensions with the U.S. administration, as recent court rulings have questioned the legality of the deportations under the 18th-century Alien Enemies Act. Critics are concerned about the Trump administration’s apparent disregard for judicial rulings amid efforts to consolidate power.
Contrarily, Bukele criticized the nature of the Venezuelan political prisoners’ situations, stating that they are imprisoned solely for opposing Maduro’s regime and alleged electoral fraud. He highlighted the cases of several prominent detainees he wishes to see released, including journalist Roland Carreno and lawyer Rocio San Miguel, along with various individuals from multiple countries.
President Bukele’s proposal for a prisoner exchange with Venezuela highlights complex geopolitical relations and humanitarian issues surrounding political prisoners. While Bukele advocates for repatriation of Venezuelans apprehended for gang-related crimes, he seeks the release of political prisoners, asserting their only crime is opposition to the current regime. This exchange proposal reflects broader themes of judicial conflict and concerns about political power dynamics within both nations.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
