• El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele proposed a prisoner swap with Venezuela: 252 Venezuelan deportees imprisoned in El Salvador for 252 political prisoners detained in Venezuela.
• The offer highlights tensions over Bukele’s gang crackdown policies and Venezuela’s electoral repression, sparking global human rights concerns.
• Venezuela’s response is pending, and the proposal could set a precedent for handling politically charged detainee situations.

El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has proposed a prisoner swap with Venezuela, suggesting the exchange of 252 Venezuelan deportees imprisoned in El Salvador for an equal number of political prisoners detained in Venezuela. The offer, made via a post on X (formerly Twitter) addressed to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, comes as Bukele’s government faces increasing international scrutiny over its treatment of deportees.

Details of the Proposal

Bukele’s post outlined his willingness to release all 252 Venezuelans deported by the United States, whom El Salvador has detained in its Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT). In exchange, he called on Maduro to free 252 opposition figures, journalists, and activists imprisoned during Venezuela’s electoral crackdown.

Among the detainees Bukele referenced are prominent figures such as the son-in-law of former presidential candidate Edmundo González and the mother of opposition leader María Corina Machado. These individuals, Bukele claimed, were detained solely for opposing Maduro’s government and alleged electoral fraud. He emphasized the humanitarian nature of his proposal and directed El Salvador’s foreign ministry to initiate talks with Venezuela.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10

Context and Controversy

The offer comes amid ongoing criticism of Bukele’s gang crackdown policies, which have included the detention of deportees labeled as alleged gang members by the Trump administration. Critics argue many were imprisoned with little evidence, sparking backlash over human rights concerns.

One high-profile case involves Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father and U.S. citizen’s spouse, deported under Trump’s policies. His detention has prompted legal battles and drawn further scrutiny to the operation of the CECOT mega-prison. Meanwhile, El Salvador’s Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas has urged Bukele to prevent the country from becoming an “international prison.”

Venezuela’s Response Pending

Maduro’s government has not yet responded to Bukele’s proposal. However, the request highlights broader political tensions and human rights concerns in both El Salvador and Venezuela. Critics argue that Bukele’s bold approach underscores his firm stance on security measures, while others question its humanitarian implications.

What’s Next?

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE THE DUPREE REPORT

The international community will closely monitor Venezuela’s response and the potential for a humanitarian agreement. If successful, the swap could set a precedent for handling detainees in politically charged situations. However, failure to reach an agreement may deepen existing tensions.

What are your thoughts on this proposal? Share your insights in the comments and let us know where you stand. Follow The Dupree Report on WhatsApp for the latest updates on global news.

Freedom-Loving Beachwear by Red Beach Nation - Save 10% With Code RVM10