Thousands of supporters of former leader Nicolas Maduro marched through Caracas on Tuesday to demand his immediate release from custody. The massive crowd gathered exactly one month after a deadly US military operation toppled Maduro and sent him to New York.
“Venezuela needs Nicolas,” chanted the protesters as they paraded through the capital with music blaring from large trucks. Demonstrators, including many public sector workers, carried photos of the ousted leader and his wife, Cilia Flores, during the event.
While the interim government called for the march, the atmosphere remained heavy with a mixture of sadness and defiance. Maduro’s son, Nicolas “Nicolasito” Maduro Guerra, addressed the crowd, stating, “These people are not American. We have achieved a profound anti-imperialist consciousness.”
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez currently balances a delicate political landscape while managing pressure from both Washington and Maduro’s remaining acolytes. Although she served as Maduro’s vice president, she now courts US support by opening oil industries to private investment.
Consequently, many citizens feel a deep sense of uncertainty regarding the current direction of the nation’s leadership and economy. “We feel confused, sad, angry,” explained Jose Perdomo, a municipal employee, though he still declared support for Rodriguez’s recent decisions.
Pressure for Amnesty Grows
Earlier on Tuesday, university students and families of political prisoners marched to demand the quick approval of a new amnesty law. Rodriguez claims she is working “intensely” on the legislation to foster a national policy during this period of political violence.
American envoy Laura Dogu arrived in Caracas on Saturday to outline a three-phase plan for a stable and democratic Venezuela. Opposition deputy Stalin Gonzalez noted that the first debate on the amnesty law should finally reach the floor this Thursday.
“I hope that the amnesty opens the door to reconciliation, coexistence, peace and democracy,” Gonzalez told reporters during the march. Meanwhile, the opposition continues to demand fresh elections to resolve the leadership crisis following the spectacular ouster of the former president.
