International
Kamala Harris urges the military to protect Venezuelans in a letter to opponents
The vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, sent a letter to the leaders of the opposition in Venezuela in which she urges the military to protect citizens, and the international community to press for the electoral authorities to deliver the minutes that prove that Nicolás Maduro won re-election in the elections last July.
The Democratic candidate for the Presidency in the November 5 elections warns that a militarized response will only lead to deepening the crisis facing the country after the National Electoral Council (CNE) certified that Maduro had defeated Edmundo González Urritia, the flag-bearer of the opposition, at the polls, according to the letter to which the Miami Herald newspaper had access.
“I strongly urge Venezuelan security forces to demonstrate restraint, respect the human rights and freedom of expression of all Venezuelans, and protect the Venezuelan people from threats and political attacks,” Harris said in the letter.
Last week, the vice president sent the letter to María Corina Machado y González, leaders of the opposition.
In it he also asked the CNE to maintain “the highest levels of transparency” and the international community to pressure this electoral authority to publish the results of the elections.
Kamala Harris recalled in the letter that the violation of human rights and freedom of expression “only deepens the crisis and hinders efforts towards a peaceful and democratic transition.”
He promised that in the United States “we will continue to encour the parties in Venezuela to start discussions about a respectful and peaceful transfer of power in accordance with Venezuelan electoral law.”
The opposition in Venezuela has claimed victory at the polls, but despite the intense protests in the country and the call of the international community, the Maduro Government has not published the minutes of the results to prove that Maduro won re-election.
The opposition published its election records with more than 80% of the polling stations and that demonstrated González’s defeat to Maduro by a margin of more than 2-1.
However, on Thursday the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ), controlled by magistrates close to Chavismo, confirmed the official results of the elections, which gave the victory to Maduro, which has been reported as fraudulent inside and outside Venezuela.
The protests after the elections have left about twenty dead.
The leaders of the majority opposition of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia and María Corina Machado, thanked this Friday the vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, for “defending democratic values,” in response to a letter in which the American asks for transparency and the publication of the results of the presidential elections in the Caribbean country.
The standard-bearer of the Democratic United Platform (PUD) – the largest opposition bloc – and its main champion published in X the same message in which they say they feel moved by the recognition of “the leaders of the democratic world” of the “courage and determination of the Venezuelan people to be free.”
“Knowing that we are not alone gives us even more strength. Venezuelans are united like never before. Thank you, Kamala Harris, for defending democratic values, which are the spirit of our victory. Venezuela will be free. Our families will return home,” they said.
Central America
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, representing the state of Maryland, held a meeting in El Salvador with deported MS-13 gang member Kilmar Ábrego García, a member of the criminal group classified by the U.S. government as a terrorist organization.
“Kilmar Ábrego García, miraculously resurrected from the ‘extermination camps’ and ‘torture chambers,’ now sipping margaritas with Senator Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!” wrote President Nayib Bukeleon X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of Van Hollen, Ábrego García, and a lawyer sitting together at a Salvadoran hotel.
The deported gang member is seen wearing a plaid shirt and a flat-brimmed cap, seated at a table with glasses and coffee cups. The senator also shared images of the meeting on his own social media accounts.
Bukele reaffirmed that Ábrego will remain in El Salvador and will not be returned to the United States.
“Now that his health has been confirmed, he has earned the honor of remaining under the custody of El Salvador,” Bukele added.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized the senator’s meeting with Ábrego on Truth Social, calling Van Hollen “a fool” for advocating for Ábrego’s return to the U.S.
International
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Pope Francis, still recovering from pneumonia, appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Easter Sunday and, with a faint voice, wished a “Happy Easter” to the thousands of faithful gathered to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
A month after being discharged from a lengthy hospital stay, the presence of the 88-year-old pontiff had remained uncertain, with the Vatican not confirming his attendance ahead of time.
Eventually, the pope made a brief appearance in a wheelchair shortly after 12:00 p.m. (10:00 GMT) to deliver his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (“to the city and to the world”).
Although no longer wearing an oxygen cannula, the Argentine Jesuit relied on a close aide to read his Easter message, which touched on major global conflicts.
Francis condemned the “dramatic and unworthy humanitarian crisis” in Gaza and called for a ceasefire, while also expressing concern over the “growing climate of antisemitism spreading across the globe.”
He further emphasized the importance of religious freedom and freedom of thought, stating that without mutual respect, “peace is not possible.”
International
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Thousands of protesters gathered on Saturday (April 19, 2025) in major cities like New York and Washington, as well as in small communities across the United States, in a second wave of demonstrations against President Donald Trump. The crowds denounced what they view as growing threats to the country’s democratic ideals.
In New York City, demonstrators of all ages rallied in front of the Public Library near Trump Tower, holding signs accusing the president of undermining democratic institutions and judicial independence.
Many protesters also criticized Trump’s hardline immigration policies, including mass deportations and raids targeting undocumented migrants.
“Democracy is in grave danger,” said Kathy Valyi, 73, the daughter of Holocaust survivors. She told AFP that the stories her parents shared about Adolf Hitler’s rise to power in 1930s Germany “are happening here now.”
In Washington, demonstrators voiced concern over what they see as Trump’s disregard for long-standing constitutional norms, such as the right to due process.
Senator Van Hollen Meets with Deported MS-13 Member in El Salvador; Trump and Bukele React
Pope Francis Appears for Easter Blessing, Calls for Peace and Religious Freedom
Thousands rally nationwide against Trump’s threat to U.S. democracy
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
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