Latin America News Dispatch
Maduro Backtracks on Expulsion of US Diplomats, Rejects Early Elections
On Sunday, Maduro stated on an interview with CNN that he will not be calling for early elections.
World Leaders Take Sides as Venezuela’s Crisis Deepens
Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke with Maduro on the phone to offer his support.
Warrant for Marielle Franco Murder Issued to Cop Tied to Bolsonaro
According to witnesses cited in a police report, the hitman did not act alone in the murder of Franco and authorities believe that at least two other BOPE officers were directly involved in the killing.
Widespread Protests Expected in Venezuela, 61 Years After Uprising
Lawmakers voted Nicolás Maduro’s authority illegitimate just days after his inauguration on January 10.
Members of National Guard Revolt Against Maduro Government
According to defense minister Vladimir Padrino López, the revolt was an act of treason and at least 27 officers were arrested for the mutiny.
Queer Brazilians Are Using Art to Resist Bolsonaro’s Anti-LGBTQ Agenda
“Music and art always held the role of strengthening people, and since we never had created a song before we felt like it was time to try something new and unexpected,” Papel & Caneta spokesperson André Chaves said in an interview with LAND.
Car Bomb Kills at Least 21 in Bogotá
The attack at the Santander General School may have been a suicide bombing, an act of violence that would be unprecedented in Colombia’s history.
Venezuela’s Opposition Calls Maduro’s Government Illegitimate
The opposition-controlled legislative body approved tentative resolutions in an effort to promote a transitional government.
Brazil’s President Relaxes Gun Laws, More Changes Expected
Brazilians will no longer have to explain their desire for a gun to a police official, and each person can own four guns, up from two.
Chilean Bishops Meet With Pope Francis to Discuss Abuse Crisis
Since his trip to Chile last year, the Vatican and the Chilean Church have taken steps to ameliorate the scandal.
Venezuelan Opposition Leader Arrested Amid Standoff With Maduro
Venezuela’s National Assembly president Juan Guaidó, accompanied by his wife Fabiana Rosales gestures before a crowd of opposition supporters during an open meeting in Caraballeda, Vargas State, Venezuela, on January 13, 2019. (Photo by Yuri Cortez/AFP/Getty Images)
Venezuela’s Maduro Begins 2nd Term Amid Widespread Criticism
The governments of Paraguay and Peru announced they will withdraw diplomats from Venezuela.
López Obrador Delivers Emotional Appeal to Mexicans Amid Fuel Shortage
Organized gangs drill roughly 42 illegal taps into government pipelines daily, costing the country $3 billion per year.
Trump Appeals to Taxpayers for Border Wall Funding
What is unprecedented, authorities say, is the number of women and children arriving at the border, many seeking legal asylum in the country.
Venezuelan Supreme Court Justice Defects to the United States
“Nicolás Maduro doesn’t know the constitution, and he doesn’t know the laws,” Christian Zerpa said.
Brazil’s New President Marks 1st Week in Office With Conservative Reforms
These actions elicited praise from Jair Bolsonaro’s supporters and investors but enraged members of the opposition.
Colombia’s Coca Substitution Plan Is Bringing Death and Discord to the Putumayo Region
While the program was supposed to create new opportunities for sustainable development, it has also destabilized an already precarious “post-conflict” transition.
Asylum Seekers Will Be Sent Back to Wait in Mexico
The policy, which is expected to face immediate legal challenges, would apply to migrants who arrive at or between official ports of entry but not to Mexicans applying for asylum nor unaccompanied minors.
Brazil’s Lula to Stay in Prison
The last-minute reversal capped an eventful day at the high court.
Trump Organization May Return for Business in Dominican Republic
Critics say the agreements could carry conflicts of interest that compromise the presidency.
Protests Arise After Guatemalan Girl Dies in US Custody
Nery Caal disputes the claim that his daughter had not had anything to drink or eat.