Maduro in January described Carvativir, an oral solution
derived from thyme, as a “miracle” medication that neutralises the coronavirus
with no side effects, a claim doctors say is not backed by science.
Facebook has taken down a video in which Maduro promotes the
medication because it violates a policy against false claims “that something
can guarantee prevention from getting COVID-19 or can guarantee recovery from COVID-19.”
“We follow guidance from the WHO (World Health Organisation)
that says there is currently no medication to cure the virus,” the spokesperson
told Reuters. “Due to repeated violations of our rules, we are also freezing
the page for 30 days, during which it will be read-only.”
Maduro in the video says Carvativir, which he calls “miracle
drops” of 19th century Venezuelan doctor Jose Gregorio Hernandez who has been
beatified by the Roman Catholic Church, can be used preventively and
therapeutically against the coronavirus.
The administrators of the page were notified of the policy
violation, the Facebook spokesperson said.
Maduro's account on photo-sharing social media platform
Instagram, which is owned by Facebook, will not be affected.
Venezuela's information ministry did not immediately reply
to a request for comment.
Maduro in February said Facebook “censored” videos in which
he showed Carvativir. He has in the past said he and his allies have been
treated unfairly by social media companies, including what he calls arbitrary
suspension of accounts.
Maduro frequently uses social media including both Facebook
and Twitter, and has at times broadcast speeches over Facebook Live.
Venezuela's official figures as of Friday showed 154,905
cases of coronavirus and 1,543 deaths, though opposition critics say the actual
figure is likely higher due to limited testing. -Reuters
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