El Salvador President Criticizes Maduro Over Rejected Prisoner Swap Proposal

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele criticized Nicolás Maduro for rejecting a prisoner swap proposal aimed at exchanging Venezuelan deportees for political prisoners. Maduro insisted on unconditional freedom for the detainees and accused Bukele of human rights violations. The two leaders’ ongoing animosity is rooted in their opposing political views, with Bukele seeking the release of prominent Venezuelans.

On a recent occasion, the President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, expressed his disappointment at Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s refusal to accept a proposed prisoner swap. This exchange would involve the repatriation of Venezuelan deportees from the United States in exchange for what Bukele has classified as political prisoners held in Venezuela.

Maduro has insisted on the immediate release of 250 Venezuelan nationals being detained in a high-security facility in El Salvador, which Bukele constructed to accommodate gang members. In his television address, Maduro criticized Bukele, referring to him as a persistent violator of essential human rights, emphasizing the need for unconditional freedom for the deportees instead of a barter.

In response, President Bukele taunted Maduro via social media, questioning why the Venezuelan leader had previously proclaimed his willingness to do “whatever it takes” for the release of those Venezuelans detained in El Salvador. This exchange highlights the historical animosity between the two leaders, which is grounded in contrasting political ideologies.

Bukele’s call for liberation includes prominent figures such as the son-in-law of former Venezuelan presidential candidate Edmundo González and several political figures currently seeking asylum in the Argentine Embassy. Additionally, he mentioned a group of 50 detainees from various nations.

His initial proposal also cited the mother of opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has reportedly been under the surveillance of Venezuelan authorities since January. In retaliation, the Venezuelan government has demanded that Bukele’s administration provide a comprehensive list of all Venezuelans held in El Salvador, along with their health details.

Bukele reaffirmed his prisoner swap proposal, referencing a recent agreement between Venezuela and the Biden administration involving a transfer related to a Maduro confidant. He reiterated, “Weren’t you the one who said you would do whatever it takes to secure the release of the Venezuelans detained in El Salvador?”

In summary, the diplomatic tensions between El Salvador and Venezuela have intensified following President Bukele’s proposal for a prisoner exchange that was rejected by Maduro. The proposal, aimed at releasing Venezuelan detainees in return for political prisoners, has led to public exchanges of criticism. Both leaders represent differing political ideologies and face significant scrutiny regarding their governance and human rights records.

Original Source: apnews.com