Venezuela restores X access after more than a year

ISTANBUL

The US social media platform X became accessible again in Venezuela on Tuesday, more than a year after it was blocked by deposed President Nicolas Maduro, who was captured by US forces on Jan. 3.

Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, who previously served as Maduro’s vice president, updated her X account, writing: “We resume contact through this channel. Venezuela remains standing, with strength and historical awareness. Let us stay united, moving towards economic stability, social justice and the welfare state we deserve to aspire to.”

After the July 2024 election, Maduro was declared the winner despite allegations of electoral fraud, and his government suspended access to the US social media platform in August.

Before the ban, X had been a key platform for Venezuelans, but the blockade led ministers, lawmakers and government agencies to stop posting updates.

Rodriguez took over after Maduro and his wife were captured by US military forces on Jan. 3, during an operation that left more than 100 people dead, according to official figures.