Author: Angeline Montoya
Demonstrations the day after the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 29, 2024. MATIAS DELACROIX / AP The United Nations released a report on the intensifying repression in Venezuela following Nicolas Maduro’s re-election. The state policy led to serious human rights violations, including 25 deaths during protests. The electoral authorities have yet to verify the results, prompting international concern. The UN mission, set up in 2019, highlighted unprecedented levels of brutality and crimes against humanity, creating a climate of fear. The authorities’ disregard for legality and mass arrests are alarming. The report suggests that the violations constitute…
The coffin of former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori in front of the Museo de la Nación on September 12 in Lima, Peru. SEBASTIAN CASTANEDA / REUTERS Thousands paid their last respects to former Peruvian president Alberto Fujimori who passed away at 86. The current president declared three days of national mourning, sparking controversy due to Fujimori’s crimes against humanity. Released in 2023, Fujimori remains a polarizing figure, hailed for fighting terrorism and criticized for human rights abuses and corruption. Despite public praise, social media criticism persists, highlighting Fujimori’s past scandals. His death reignited debate on his legacy, dividing Peruvian society…
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro displays the signatures on a document recognizing the results of the presidential election. Caracas, August 9, 2024. FEDERICO PARRA / AFP Chilean President Gabriel Boric quickly expressed skepticism over Nicolas Maduro’s contested victory in the Venezuelan presidential election. This led to a series of diplomatic tensions as other countries questioned the election results and support for Maduro. The Latin American left was divided, with some countries like Cuba and Nicaragua congratulating Maduro, while others aligned with demands for proof of victory and transparent elections. ‘Not break contact’ Brazil and Colombia, neighboring Venezuela, fear increased migration due…
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro with his wife, Cilia Flores, in front of supporters during a rally at Miraflores Palace, Caracas, on August 1, 2024. YURI CORTEZ / AFP Nicolas Maduro is bringing opposing sides together. Brazil, representing Argentina, is guarding its diplomatic premises in Caracas after a diplomatic crisis erupted following Maduro’s disputed victory declaration in Venezuela’s presidential election. Brazil stepped in to protect Argentina’s interests after diplomatic tensions escalated with Milei’s anti-Maduro post on social media. While Milei criticized Maduro, Brazil emphasized the strong friendship between the two South American nations. Read more Subscribers only Venezuela authorities crack down…
Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez proclaiming the army’s “loyalty” to Maduro, Caracas, July 30, 2024. STRINGER/AFP In the midst of political turmoil in Venezuela, opposition leaders Maria Corina Machado and Edmundo Gonzalez called on the military and police to support the people against incumbent President Maduro. This led to a criminal investigation against them, highlighting the tense situation in the country. Current Political Standoff The defense minister, General Vladimir Padrino Lopez, affirmed the army’s loyalty to Maduro, emphasizing the government’s control over military institutions. This power dynamic, established by former president Hugo Chavez, ensures military support for the regime.…
Colombian President Gustavo Petro at the Colombian ambassador’s residence in France, in Paris on July 26, 2024. SAMUEL KIRSZENBAUM FOR LE MONDE Colombia’s first left-wing president, Gustavo Petro, has faced challenges in implementing his social reform agenda due to a lack of majority in Congress and opposition from armed groups involved in the drug trade. In an interview with Le Monde, Petro advocates for global drug decriminalization for achieving total peace. Regarding the Venezuelan presidential election, he calls for a transparent vote count under international supervision. Read more Venezuela election: The need for transparency Before the presidential election in Venezuela…
Manuel Jesus Hernandez, a fisherman from Cedeño, Honduras, reflects on the changes in his hometown caused by climate change. With the village half-submerged in water, Manuel points to where his house once stood beneath the waves. His childhood memories now buried, like many other buildings and streets, due to the rising sea levels in the Gulf of Fonseca. Honduras, known for its high poverty rate and vulnerability to climate change, faced additional challenges with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and recent hurricanes. The effects of these disasters have led to food crises and further devastation in coastal areas like…
Argentina’s president, Javier Milei (front), at a meeting with governors to sign the “May Pact,” in San Miguel de Tucuman (Argentina), July 8, 2024. WALTER MONTEROS/AFP Argentina’s far-right president, Javier Milei, and his vice president, Victoria Villarruel, celebrated Independence Day with a grand military parade. Over 7,000 soldiers and 70 vehicles paraded through Buenos Aires, reinstating a tradition abandoned under previous mandates. Milei also secured support for his “May Pact” from 18 opposition governors, emphasizing development and prosperity for Argentina. The agreement, signed in Tucuman, marks a significant step towards a new national order. The ‘May Pact’ After tough negotiations,…