At least three prominent writers have withdrawn from the upcoming Hay Festival in Cartagena, Colombia, in protest against the invitation extended to Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado. The authors cited Machado's controversial political positions, particularly her support for former U.S. President Donald Trump's aggressive stance against Venezuela's government, as a key reason for their boycott.

Protest Against Machado's Invitation
The withdrawal of Colombian authors Laura Restrepo and Giuseppe Caputo, among others, highlights the deep divisions within Latin America regarding Machado's political influence. Restrepo criticized Machado for advocating U.S. military intervention in Venezuela, stating that no platform should be provided to someone promoting imperialist policies. Caputo echoed these sentiments, recalling the tragic consequences of U.S. airstrikes in the Caribbean, which have resulted in numerous casualties. He argued that inviting Machado to the festival was inappropriate given the current climate of violence in the region.

Machado's Political Stance
Machado has been a polarizing figure in Latin America, known for her close ties to far-right leaders like Argentina's Javier Milei and Brazil's Jair Bolsonaro. Recently, she expressed her support for the election of Chilean president José Antonio Kast, who admires the legacy of dictator Augusto Pinochet. Her endorsement of military intervention and alignment with U.S. foreign policy has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, particularly from those who advocate for national sovereignty in Latin America.

Machado's Journey to the Nobel Prize
Machado's rise to prominence as a political leader was marked by a dramatic escape from Venezuela, where she had been in hiding for over a year. Her perilous journey to receive the Nobel Prize involved navigating through multiple checkpoints and being rescued by a U.S. special forces veteran in a small boat. Despite the challenges, she managed to participate in events related to the award, although she missed the official ceremony.

Upcoming Participation at Hay Festival
Despite the controversy, Machado is still scheduled to participate remotely in a discussion at the Hay Festival on January 30, alongside Venezuelan journalist Moisés Naím. Her team has not issued any comments regarding the authors' withdrawals or the backlash surrounding her invitation. The festival organizers have yet to respond to the growing criticism.

Wrap-up
The withdrawal of these authors from the Hay Festival underscores the complex political dynamics in Latin America and the contentious nature of Machado's influence. As the festival approaches, the debate over Machado's role in the region's politics continues to spark strong reactions from both supporters and opponents.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team