El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele criticized Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a prisoner swap proposal aimed at exchanging Venezuelan deportees from the U.S. for political prisoners in Venezuela. Maduro demanded the unconditional release of detainees while Bukele challenged his commitment to securing freedom for those detained. The exchange of accusations highlights the animosity and contrasting political ideologies between the two leaders.
On Tuesday, the President of El Salvador criticized Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a proposal involving the exchange of Venezuelan deportees for political prisoners in Venezuela. President Nayib Bukele expressed disappointment over Maduro’s refusal, which was articulated during a televised address where Maduro accused Bukele of violating human rights.
Maduro demanded that Bukele release 250 Venezuelans detained in an El Salvador mega-prison. He called for Bukele to issue a “decree granting unconditional freedom” to these individuals instead of engaging in a prisoner swap.
In response, President Bukele took to social media to challenge Maduro’s stance, questioning whether the Venezuelan leader truly intended to do “whatever it takes” to secure the release of detainees. This exchange highlights the ongoing animosity between the two leaders, stemming from starkly contrasting political ideologies.
Bukele’s demand for the release of several specific detainees was also stated, including the son-in-law of a former Venezuelan presidential candidate and political leaders currently seeking asylum. His initial proposal included several additional individuals, which amplified tensions with the Venezuelan government.
The Venezuelan administration retorted by requesting a comprehensive list of all Venezuelans detained in El Salvador, along with their health information. Bukele reiterated his offer by referencing a recent prisoner swap between Venezuela and the Biden administration, further intensifying the diplomatic friction between the two nations.
The ongoing exchange of criticisms between President Bukele and President Maduro underscores their deep-seated animosity, reflective of their divergent political landscapes. Bukele’s proposal to facilitate a prisoner exchange and Maduro’s counter-demands exemplify the strained relations and contrasting approaches to governance and human rights. As tensions continue, both leaders remain locked in a dispute that could further influence their respective political standings.
Original Source: apnews.com
