International
Edmundo González Urrutia warns that the Prosecutor’s Office’s summons lacks “guarantees”
The standard-bearer of the majority opposition of Venezuela, Edmundo González Urrutia, said that the summons of the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP, Prosecutor’s Office) to appear, as part of an investigation for alleged “conspiracy” and other crimes, lacks “guarantees of independence and due process.”
In a video published on social networks, the leader of the main opposition coalition – the Democratic United Platform (PUD) – said that the MP “intends to submit to an interview without specifying in what condition he is expected to appear and pre-qualifying crimes not committed,” although he did not confirm his attendance.
According to the summons, he must appear on Monday at 10:00 local time (14:00 GMT), as part of an investigation for the “alleged commission of the crimes of usurpation of functions, forging of a public document, instigation to disobedience of the laws, computer crimes, association for crime and conspiracy.”
González Urrutia, who claims to have won the presidential elections of July 28, despite the fact that the National Electoral Council (CNE) declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner, said in the video that the Attorney General, Tarek William Saab, “has behaved, repeatedly, like a political accuser,” since he said, “condemns in advance and now promotes a summons without guarantees of independence and due process.”
In his message, the former ambassador urged Maduro to “understand, for a good time, that the solution is not in repression, but in the international, independent and reliable verification of the minutes, which cannot be replaced by a sentence issued outside the Constitution,” referring to the ruling of the Supreme Court of Justice (TSJ) that validates the re-election of the Chavista.
The opponent demanded from the authorities, for “peace and well-being of the country,” the publication of the minutes and respect for “the popular will expressed in the elections of July 28 that largely favored the political change that represented” his candidacy.
In addition, he reiterated that the opposition he leads favors “the search for formulas that, with strict submission to popular sovereignty, allow channeling an orderly, peaceful transition with guarantees for all.”
“Venezuela lives hours of uncertainty and unrest, the product of your commitment to violate the will to change,” he added in the video.
The Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the website where the opposition coalition claims to have published “83.5% of the minutes” of the presidential elections, which evidence, according to this anti-chavista sector, the triumph of González Urrutia.
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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