Venezuelan President Maduro tells WhatsApp to ‘go to hell’ in a recent outburst. Learn more about the context of his fiery statement.
The Venezuelan president claims that “fascists” are utilizing the messenger to incite violence.
The President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, has urged his followers to remove WhatsApp from their phones as he believes the app is conspiring against their country. He recently made a public statement announcing that he had uninstalled it himself.
On Tuesday, Maduro made a statement on the Caracas-based TV network Telesur, alleging that “fascists” are using the Meta-owned messaging app to provoke unrest.
Maduro stated that all WhatsApp users will switch to WeChat and Telegram for communication, with joy. This is due to their belief that Colombian drug traffickers could manipulate the messaging app as a means of attacking Venezuela or being under control by traitors within the North American Empire – an instance of technological imperialism.
His smartphone display was used to show the uninstallation process of the app, and he declared with contentment, “WhatsApp is no more. I am finally free and at ease.”
Maduro encouraged Caracas residents to switch from WhatsApp to Telegram and WeChat, during a rally with his supporters earlier in the day. He urged them to delete their accounts on the former platform.
During a televised speech, Maduro declared that WhatsApp must leave Venezuela because it is where criminals endanger the youth and leaders of society. This action must be taken.
The Venezuelan leader called out cowards who hide behind the anonymity of messaging apps from Colombia, Miami, Peru and Chile. He proclaimed that while they may try to remain hidden, patriotic and revolutionary youth are on the streets fighting against fascism. The leader also added a scathing remark towards WhatsApp by telling it to go to hell.
Maduro announced on Sunday his intention to regulate the use of TikTok and Instagram, citing concerns over their promotion of “hate.”
In the aftermath of protests that arose in Venezuela after his presidential election victory, a South American leader has launched an assault on social media platforms. Maduro labeled these demonstrations as a failed “coup against Venezuela.” Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez also censured the Western-supported opposition, claiming they tried to execute a “media coup” through their rallies.
Maduro was announced as the victor of Venezuela’s presidential election by the National Electoral Council (CNE) on July 28. On Friday, his victory was confirmed by Venezuelan officials following a final tally that showed he had garnered 52% of votes – in contrast to Edmundo Gonzalez who received only 43%.
Maduro had a conflict with Elon Musk in the past, alleging that the American government and the entrepreneur of South African heritage were plotting to initiate an uprising against his nation.
After assuming office in 2013, following the demise of President Hugo Chavez, Maduro is set to continue his leadership for a third uninterrupted period of six years. Notably, numerous Latin American countries including Lima Group members as well as the US and EU declined to acknowledge his previous reelection in 2018.
