Thousands of Venezuelans protest to demand their president back
The protests come amid calls for a global movement to pressure the United States to release the abducted Venezuelan president.
Thousands of Venezuelans protested yesterday, Friday, in the center of the capital, Caracas, calling for the release of the Venezuelan president, Nicolas Maduro, and First Lady Cilia Flores, abducted by the United States. Stressing that their detention is unjust and against the law, protesters demanded their immediate release.
A massive banner reading: “We want them back,” was raised near O’Leary Square in central Caracas.
Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said in remarks broadcast on state television that “our greatest victory these days will be the return of President Maduro and Cilia.”
Maduro’s son calls for global mobilization
Meanwhile, President Maduro’s son, lawmaker Nicolas Ernesto Maduro Guerra, called for a large-scale popular mobilization in the United States, Europe, and other regions of the world on February 3, to demand the White House release President Maduro and his wife.
The call took place during a video conference to coordinate global efforts in solidarity with the Venezuelan leader and to demand his release.
In his speech, Maduro Guerra stated that the US aggression against Venezuela sends a message that it is capable of imposing its “fascist ideology by force,” warning that “the world is witnessing a process of privatization of international law.”
On January 3, the United States launched an attack on the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, and other areas, targeting ports, airports, and military bases. President Maduro and his wife were abducted and transferred to New York.
President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have been brought before a federal court in Manhattan, New York, where they face criminal charges, including unfounded allegations of drug trafficking and narco-terrorism brought by the United States. In their first court appearance, Maduro pleaded not guilty to the charges and declared he is still the legitimate president of Venezuela, claiming he was “captured” and insisting on his innocence.
The judge ordered both to remain in custody and set a further hearing for March 17 as the US prosecution prepares its case. The proceedings have caused controversy as many critics questioned the legality and political implications of the US actions surrounding his abduction and trial.
