Colombian writer Laura Restrepo has withdrawn from participation in the Hay Festival, citing the presence of Venezuelan political leader María Corina Machado as the reason. Restrepo considers Machado to be a supporter of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.
A Dichotomy of Imperialisms
The decision highlights what the author describes as a troubling parallel to a concept raised by V.S. Naipul: the idea of “good” and “bad” torture, where actions are justified based on the political alignment of the perpetrator and victim. This framework, the author contends, is being mirrored in contemporary anti-imperialist thought, creating a division between acceptable and unacceptable foreign influences.
The author questions Restrepo’s “sudden solidarity with Venezuelan sovereignty,” noting a lack of comparable criticism directed towards the involvement of Russia, China, Iran, Cuba, and Colombian guerrilla groups in Venezuelan affairs. The author suggests this selective criticism implies Venezuela has previously benefited from “good” imperialisms, and Restrepo is now focused solely on preventing “bad” ones.
Unsubstantiated Claims and Selective Silence
Restrepo, in a letter to Hay Festival organizers, stated Machado is an “active supporter of U.S. military intervention in America,” a claim the author points out is made without providing any direct evidence. The author questions whether this approach reflects Restrepo’s journalistic rigor, suggesting she is merely repeating propaganda from the Venezuelan dictatorship.
The author details documented instances of persecution against Machado by Chavista groups, including physical assault, electoral disqualification, and forced hiding. Despite this, the author suggests Restrepo’s silence may stem from personal animosity. However, the author finds it more concerning that Restrepo did not condemn the 2024 electoral fraud, the imprisonment of thousands, or the treatment of the 119 women in Venezuelan prisons.
The author notes reports from BBC News Mundo, The Washington Post, INFOBAE, and the work of María Werlau and Adriana Boersner-Herrera, among others, detail the influence of Cuba, Russia, Iran, and Colombian guerrilla groups in perpetuating the “barbarity” suffered by Venezuela.
A Desire for Ideological Purity
Restrepo, according to the author, appears to seek participation only in events that guarantee “militant uniformity,” where her voice and those who share her views are the only ones heard. The author suggests that the Hay Festival, known for its diverse and pluralistic nature, is unlikely to accommodate this demand.
The author contrasts the Hay Festival with the Filven event in Caracas, where Restrepo, the author suggests, would be met with unwavering support and the suppression of dissenting voices. The author notes that 67 percent of Venezuelans voted for María Corina Machado and Edmundo González Urrutia in an election.
The author concludes that Restrepo seems to believe a future of corruption, refugee crises, and suffering is an acceptable price for Venezuela to pay, so long as she can continue to attend literary events and “sing to anti-imperialism.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Laura Restrepo to withdraw from the Hay Festival?
Laura Restrepo withdrew from the Hay Festival as a protest against the invitation extended to María Corina Machado, whom Restrepo considers a supporter of U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.
What criticism does the author level against Restrepo’s position?
The author criticizes Restrepo for selectively applying anti-imperialist principles, focusing solely on perceived U.S. intervention while remaining silent about the involvement of other nations – including Cuba, Russia, Iran, and Colombia – in Venezuelan affairs.
What does the author suggest is Restrepo’s underlying motivation?
The author suggests Restrepo desires an environment of ideological uniformity, where only voices aligned with her own are heard, and is willing to overlook internal issues within Venezuela to focus solely on external perceived threats.
What role does the author believe external actors play in the situation in Venezuela?
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