Chavismo claims 'many' opposition figures who returned to Venezuela have left again

Diosdado Cabello, Venezuela's Interior Minister and a prominent Chavista leader, asserted on Monday that numerous opposition figures who had recently returned to the country after periods in exile have since departed again.

During a press conference for the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Cabello specifically questioned the current location of former regional deputy Lester Toledo, who returned to Venezuela on May 21 after a decade abroad. Toledo had stated his return was to pursue a judicial response to his amnesty request.

“

Many returned and left again, they left. Where is Lester Toledo? To name one.

"Many returned and left again, they left. Where is Lester Toledo? To name one," Cabello stated, with his remarks broadcast on the state channel VTV. He also welcomed the return of "some" individuals, denying they faced persecution.

“

great step for reconciliation and the union of the country

Several opposition figures, including Richard Blanco, Yon Goicoechea, Carlos Ocariz, and Rocío San Miguel, have returned to Venezuela. Many did so under an amnesty law approved by Parliament nearly four months prior. Cabello described the law as a "great step for reconciliation and the union of the country," but cautioned that "none can be eternal."

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez had previously announced the amnesty law's "end" in April, though details were scarce. The law, enacted on February 19, covers a period from 1999 but applies to specific "events" across 13 different years, excluding certain crimes like corruption and human rights violations. Official figures indicate that as of April 22, 8,616 individuals had benefited from the amnesty.

“

none can be eternal.