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In a bold move on Sunday, El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele proposed a humanitarian agreement aimed at resolving the situation of 252 Venezuelans deported by the U.S. to El Salvador. Under the proposed deal, these detainees could be released if Venezuela agrees to free an identical number of political prisoners, including opposition leaders. The offer was made through an X post addressed to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Details of the Proposal
President Bukele's proposal involves the repatriation of all 252 Venezuelans sent to El Salvador by the United States, in exchange for the release of the same number of prisoners held in Venezuela, particularly those with political affiliations. Bukele emphasized that this would not only include members of the opposition but also nearly 50 foreign nationals, such as Americans, who are imprisoned in Venezuela.
"I want to propose a humanitarian agreement that includes the repatriation of 100 percent of the 252 Venezuelans who were deported, in exchange for the release and surrender of an identical number (252) of the thousands of political prisoners you hold," Bukele wrote, addressing Maduro.
Background on U.S. Deportations and Bukele's Role
Since March, the U.S. government has been sending Venezuelans, alongside Salvadorans linked to criminal groups like Tren de Aragua and MS-13, to El Salvador. Bukele had agreed to detain these individuals on behalf of the U.S. government, with compensation. The first flights to El Salvador carried 238 Venezuelans, most of whom had no criminal records.
Venezuela’s Reaction to the Proposal
Venezuela’s attorney general, Tarek William Saab, responded swiftly, demanding the release of all Venezuelan detainees in El Salvador. However, Saab did not confirm whether Venezuela would entertain the proposal. The Venezuelan government has long faced international criticism for its treatment of political prisoners. According to Foro Penal, a Venezuelan human rights group, there are still nearly 900 political prisoners in Venezuela, alongside 68 foreign nationals.
Venezuelan President Maduro has expressed his disapproval of the detention, calling Bukele’s actions “kidnapping.” Maduro’s government has been under increasing pressure due to its human rights record and the loss of both domestic and international support.
The Humanitarian Crisis and Bukele’s Statement
In his post, Bukele pointed out that, unlike Venezuela, El Salvador does not imprison people for political reasons. He emphasized that all Venezuelans held in El Salvador were detained for criminal activities, particularly their involvement with gangs like Tren de Aragua. Bukele's statement aimed to differentiate El Salvador’s approach from the political imprisonment practices seen in Venezuela.
Venezuelan Government's Demands
Following Bukele’s proposal, Tarek William Saab announced that Venezuela would press El Salvador’s authorities for a detailed list of detainees, alongside proof of life and medical reports for each individual. This move signals Venezuela's desire to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens held abroad.
Conclusion
President Bukele’s proposal has set the stage for potential diplomatic negotiations between El Salvador and Venezuela. If accepted, this agreement could serve as a precedent for similar deals involving political prisoners and the treatment of deported individuals.
