Venezuela Suspends Flights to Chile After U.N. Condemnation

The Venezuelan government announced the indefinite suspension of flights to and from Chile on Wednesday, shortly after Chilean President Gabriel Boric condemned the Maduro regime during his speech at the U.N. General Assembly. Boric, a self-identified leftist, has consistently criticized Maduro for human rights abuses and the dire situation faced by Venezuelan citizens, which has led to a significant refugee crisis. He noted that Chile has already welcomed 800,000 Venezuelans but cannot accept more due to its own limitations. Boric's address included references to a fraudulent presidential election held by Maduro in July, where opposition leaders were barred from running, and the results were not transparently reported. This election has been widely criticized by regional leaders, including Boric, who refuse to recognize Maduro's legitimacy. The Venezuelan government has responded to such criticisms by suspending flights to countries that oppose its regime, including Peru, Panama, and the Dominican Republic. The flight suspension has raised concerns about the impact on the Venezuelan diaspora, particularly the 800,000 Venezuelans residing in Chile. A spokesperson for the Venezuelan Transport Ministry described the decision as unilateral and unjustified, highlighting the vulnerability of Venezuelans living abroad. Boric's condemnation of the Maduro regime reflects a broader regional consensus against authoritarianism in Venezuela, despite ideological similarities. His remarks underscore the need for international attention to human rights violations in Venezuela and the ongoing crisis affecting millions of its citizens.