El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele criticized Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a prisoner swap proposal. Bukele sought to exchange Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. for political prisoners in Venezuela. Maduro demanded the release of detained Venezuelans in El Salvador, citing human rights violations against them. This dispute highlights the opposing political climates both leaders navigate, amid rising tensions between their governments.
On Tuesday, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele condemned Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a prisoner swap proposal. The exchange sought would involve Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. detained in El Salvador in return for what Bukele termed “political prisoners” in Venezuela. Bukele’s approach has sparked criticism amidst rising tensions between the two leaders.
Maduro has demanded the immediate release of 250 Venezuelans held in a mega-prison in El Salvador, which Bukele built for gang members. During his televised address, Maduro accused Bukele of undermining human rights, highlighting concerns over freedom and dignity. He suggested that, instead of an exchange, Bukele should issue a decree for the unconditional release of the deportees.
In response, Bukele took to social media, challenging Maduro’s commitment to securing the release of those Venezuelans. The longstanding animosity between Bukele and Maduro is emblematic of their contrasting political ideologies, as both leaders have faced scrutiny regarding democratic rights and governance.
Bukele’s proposal included multiple individuals, such as the son-in-law of a former Venezuelan presidential candidate and various political leaders currently seeking asylum in the Argentine Embassy. He emphasized the plight of 50 detained citizens from numerous countries.
Maduro’s government reacted angrily, demanding a comprehensive list of all Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador, along with their health information. Bukele reiterated his swap proposal, referencing a recent deal made between the Biden administration and Maduro regarding a prisoner swap involving a Maduro ally. In his post, Bukele provocatively reminded Maduro of his earlier claims to do “whatever it takes” to facilitate the release of the detained Venezuelans.
The exchange proposal between Presidents Bukele and Maduro reflects ongoing tensions and stark political divides in their respective countries. The situation highlights the complexities of international relations in light of human rights issues and the differing approaches of these leaders towards governance and diplomacy.
Original Source: apnews.com
