Maduro Orders 10-Day Suspension of X Across Venezuela Over Alleged Violations
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced that the social network X, formerly known as Twitter, has violated Venezuelan law on several occasions. As a result, its operation in the country will be suspended for ten days, according to a statement reported by RIA Novosti. The president asserted that X has spread content that promotes hatred, fascism, civil strife, and conflict among Venezuelans, and he called these actions a direct breach of the nation’s legal framework.
Maduro stated that he endorsed the proposal from the National Telecommunications Commission, Conatel, which decided to suspend the platform’s activities for ten days. The move is described as a defensive measure aimed at preserving public order and safeguarding national unity in the face of what officials describe as harmful online content.
In a separate development, Elon Musk, the American entrepreneur and founder of the company behind X, issued provocative remarks directed at Maduro. Musk claimed he was ready to challenge the Venezuelan president and even joked about sending him to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba on a donkey. He later asserted that he would offer a voyage to Mars for free if Maduro accepted the challenge, predicting that the Venezuelan leader might back down and rescind his position. The exchange reflects a broader clash between political leadership and high-profile tech figures in the international arena.
On the eve of these developments, Maduro also indicated that Venezuela would not be disconnected from the WhatsApp messaging app. This statement appears to signal a partial continuation of essential communication channels for citizens during the period of the X suspension, though other platforms may face restricted access depending on regulatory assessments.
Meanwhile, there is a note of activity at the European Union level, where Venezuelan authorities are expected to publish election protocols. While details remain sparse, the move suggests ongoing coordination with international bodies regarding electoral processes and transparency in the region.