The Big Stories to watch this week in LATAM
Venezuela and Mexico release prisoners under US pressure. Delcy says she has "had enough." Naboa starts a trade war and lightning zaps Bolsonaro supporters
Venezuela releases prisoners, pressured to put pressure on Cuba
Authorities in Venezuela have freed at least 143 people listed as political prisoners, according to Caracas rights group Foro Penal. The number includes the son-in-law of Presidential candidate Edmundo González, Rafael Tudares, who had been held for over a year.
Many of those released were detained as part of crackdowns by security forces on protests that followed Maduro’s refusal to concede the 2024 presidential election.
Newly installed Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez has promised to release hundreds of prisoners in the coming weeks as part of a “new political moment” that will allow “greater political and ideological diversity.”
In public comments Friday, however, Rodriguez insisted she has “had enough” of following orders from Washington. Trump has exercised coercion over the country via oil blockades and threats of further military strikes.
Roriguez called on DC to “let Venezuelan politics resolve Venezuelan problems.” Her tone has been inconsistent in recent days as she balances statements aimed at both international and domestic audiences.
Meanwhile, Cuba is experiencing an energy crisis after the US stopped Venezuelan oil shipments to the Caribbean island. Cuban officials denounce what they call “piracy” and an “attack on the Cuban revolution.”
Sheinbaum bows to Trump in prisoner release as well
Mexican authorities have sent 37 inmates allegedly linked to drug cartels to the US as part of US State Department extradition requests. The decision follows US President Donald Trump’s threats of land strikes within Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has bowed to US demands on migration and drug issues since Trump assumed the presidency last year, initiating domestic crackdowns on both.
Colombian-Ecuadorian trade war? We don’t think Naboa has thought this one through
Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa announced 30% “security tariffs” on imports from Colombia, citing a lack of cooperation in combating drug trafficking and illegal mining.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro responded with surprise, citing long-standing cooperation with the country, and ended energy exports to the country.
Colombia supplies almost 10% of Ecuadorian electricity. Ecuador has experienced rolling blackouts across the country in recent years, and often depended on temporary increases in exports from Colombia to survive them.
We don’t think Naboa has thought this strategy through very well, but what do we know? haha
Bolsonaro supporters struck by lightning in Brazil
At least 34 people were injured when lightning struck a rally in Brazil demanding the release of former President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently jailed.
Divine providence or a cruel and random act of nature? Difficult to be certain. But if the weather gods plan to weigh-in on upcoming Brazilian elections, the situation could get dramatic fast.
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Hasta pronto, piratas!
