Thousands of supporters of Venezuela’s former president, Nicolas Maduro, who was removed in a lethal operation by the US military, rallied in Caracas on Tuesday demanding his release.
Chanting “Venezuela needs Nicolas,” the demonstrators gathered exactly one month after his dramatic removal and transport to face drug charges in New York.
Since then, interim president Delcy Rodriguez has been navigating a delicate balance, seeking to maintain backing from both Washington and Maduro loyalists in her administration and the Venezuelan populace.
Numerous protesters, including many public sector employees, displayed images of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who was also apprehended in the US operation.
The march, organized by the government, extended for a considerable distance, with accompanying trucks blaring music.
Maduro’s son, Nicolas “Nicolasito” Maduro Guerra, a member of Venezuela’s National Assembly, emphasized, “These individuals are not American,” asserting a strong anti-imperialist sentiment.
Amidst a sea of Venezuelan flags and red attire symbolizing the ruling “Chavista” movement established by Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, emotions ran high among the demonstrators.
Speaking out, Jose Perdomo, a 58-year-old municipal worker, expressed a mix of confusion, sadness, and anger, while pledging support for interim president Delcy Rodriguez and insisting on Maduro’s eventual release.
Rodriguez, a staunch Maduro supporter who previously served as his vice president, has begun to comply with US demands, including the release of political prisoners and opening up Venezuela’s state-controlled oil sector to private investment.
Diplomatic ties between the two nations, severed in 2019 following allegations of electoral fraud by Maduro, have now been reestablished, with US envoy Laura Dogu arriving in Caracas.
In a video message released by the US mission, Dogu outlined a three-phase plan for Venezuela, culminating in a transition to a prosperous, democratic nation.
Rodriguez acknowledged the meeting, describing it as a “candid discussion.”
Earlier in the day, hundreds of university students and relatives of political detainees held a separate march in the capital, urging prompt approval of an amnesty law promised by Rodriguez.
Rodriguez confirmed her dedication to the amnesty law, aimed at fostering national unity amid political turmoil and extremism.
The law, yet to be presented to parliament overseen by Rodriguez’s brother, Jorge Rodriguez, a devoted Chavista, is expected to be debated on Thursday, according to opposition lawmaker Stalin Gonzalez.
Gonzalez expressed hope that the amnesty initiative would pave the way for reconciliation, peaceful coexistence, and democracy.
Amid chants of “Freedom is in the streets and no one can stop it!” from the crowd, anti-government sentiment persists in Venezuela, with calls for fresh elections following Maduro’s removal.
