From conspiracy theories to the apocalypse: the most bizarre reactions to Chávez’s death
The death of Hugo Chávez has prompted varied reactions from leaders around the world — as a quick scan of their tweets suggests. But while everyone seems to be weighing in on the Venezuelan president’s much-anticipated parting, some reactions have been stranger than others. Take Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who, in addition to declaring a ...
The death of Hugo Chávez has prompted varied reactions from leaders around the world -- as a quick scan of their tweets suggests. But while everyone seems to be weighing in on the Venezuelan president's much-anticipated parting, some reactions have been stranger than others.
The death of Hugo Chávez has prompted varied reactions from leaders around the world — as a quick scan of their tweets suggests. But while everyone seems to be weighing in on the Venezuelan president’s much-anticipated parting, some reactions have been stranger than others.
Take Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who, in addition to declaring a national day of mourning in his country, made reference to the apocalypse. In a letter of condolence to Venezuelan Vice President Nicolás Maduro, Ahmadinejad, a close friend and ally of Chávez, said that the leader "would return along with all the other righteous and the Prophet Jesus […] to help lead society to complete peace and justice," referring to the Islamic eschatological belief that Jesus, though a Christian, will be among the prophets resurrected after the apocalypse. Apparently, Chávez will also be present.
The grief-stricken Iranian president also alluded to conspiracy theories about Chávez’s enemies somehow conspiring to kill him — speculation fueled by Maduro himself. A spokesman for Iran’s Foreign Ministry picked up on the theme, calling for an investigation into whether foul play contributed to the Chávez’s death. And Gennady Zyuganov, the leader of the Russian Communist party, struck a similar note, suggesting that the United States could be behind the Venezuelan president’s demise. "How did it happen that six leaders of Latin American countries which had criticized US policies and tried to create an influential alliance in order to be independent and sovereign states, fell ill simultaneously with the same disease?" Zyuganov asked.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, who had a rocky relationship with Chávez, argued that the best way to memorialize the leftist leader’s death would not be through statues or monuments but rather by making peace with Colombia’s FARC guerillas. The remark was a nod to Chávez’s efforts to act as a mediator between the Colombian government and the rebels, but it might not be the lasting legacy Chávez had in mind.
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