Yordenis Ugás, the Cuban professional boxing champion, spoke out about the electoral fraud in Venezuela that declared Nicolás Maduro as the winner for a third presidential term. He shared his thoughts on the future of the South American nation. "I saw Maduro say he is going to do socialism in a different way. The people of Venezuela are fighting for their freedom now and for the next 20-30 years. That different form of socialism is like Cuba's," the athlete stated on his Facebook profile.
Ugás warned Venezuelans that "Maduro is going to try to do what even Chávez couldn't, which is to eliminate all parties, eliminate all opposition, using the justification of an external enemy. We Cubans know about this. Be alert, Venezuelan brothers. You are risking a lot, you are risking your future and that of your children. Strength and intelligence," he concluded.
The proclamation of Maduro as the winner of the elections has been widely questioned by opponents and a significant part of the international community, which demands verification of the results through the voting records that the government has refused to present.
The reaction from international bodies, such as the Organization of American States (OAS) requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue an arrest warrant against the Venezuelan leader, comes at a time when the crisis is intensifying, with reports of at least twenty protesters killed in the demonstrations following the elections.
Last Wednesday, in a national broadcast, Maduro threatened to not hesitate and "call the people to a revolution with other characteristics." "I say it solemnly from political power, we want to continue on the path that Chávez traced," he said, blaming "North American imperialism and criminal fascists" for the crisis in Venezuela.
He added that "I was not born on the day of cowards" and that "if the empire wants to advance in its criminal plan, we will defend our homeland."
The Cuban champion Yordenis Ugás had shown enthusiasm last Sunday for the possible triumph of democracy in Venezuela. He even told Venezuelans that they were "a beacon of hope for all lovers of freedom."
Understanding Yordenis Ugás' Message and the Venezuelan Crisis
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into Yordenis Ugás' statements and the ongoing situation in Venezuela.
Why did Yordenis Ugás speak out about the Venezuelan elections?
Yordenis Ugás addressed the Venezuelan electoral fraud to warn the people about the potential dangers of Nicolás Maduro's regime, drawing parallels with Cuba's experience under socialism.
What are the international reactions to Maduro's re-election?
International reactions include widespread condemnation from the opposition and a significant portion of the global community. The Organization of American States has even called for the International Criminal Court to issue an arrest warrant against Maduro.
What did Maduro say in response to the accusations of electoral fraud?
Maduro threatened to call for a revolution with different characteristics and blamed North American imperialism and criminal fascists for the ongoing crisis in Venezuela. He vowed to defend the country against perceived external threats.