AP Photo

The transfer of Hugo Chávez, the President of Venezuela, from CIMEQ, Havana’s best hospital, to a ward of the Caracas military hospital that was remodeled like a bunker to keep his medical condition a secret, was a surprise for Venezuelans. His long stay in Cuba had begun to excite general suspicion, and his return brought relief and joy to his supporters, who surrounded the hospital chanting and giving thanks to the Virgin of La Pastora and Yoruba deities. These emotions are now evaporating, as no new images have been published to support the illusion of his recovery. Among his opponents, everyone has a conspiracy theory about the reasons for concealing the President’s true state of health. There are rumors of every variety, including those that draw on fears of the...