Venezuela investigates President Bukele for migrant mistreatment

Venezuela's attorney general has launched an investigation into El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele for alleged mistreatment of Venezuelan migrants.

Venezuela investigates El Salvador's Bukele over migrant mistreatment

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s attorney general has opened an investigation into President Nayib Bukele for alleged mistreatment of Venezuelan migrants detained in El Salvador. The investigation follows complaints from the migrants, many of whom were held in a maximum-security prison known as the Terrorism Confinement Center. The attorney general's office is also looking into officials including Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro and the head of the prison system, Osiris Luna. More than 250 migrants were held after being deported from the United States and were released last week in exchange for 10 U.S. nationals in Venezuelan custody.

This investigation highlights the growing tensions between Venezuela and El Salvador, particularly concerning the treatment of migrants. As nations grapple with migration crises, the focus on human rights violations has intensified. Bukele's firm stance on crime in El Salvador, which has led to mass incarcerations, is now under scrutiny as international actors pay closer attention to how migrants are treated. This inquiry could impact Bukele's image as a reformer and escalate diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Highlights

The outcome of this investigation could reshape diplomatic ties in Central America.