Venezuelans march to demand US recognition of President Maduro and his wife

Thousands of people gathered in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, to participate in a demonstration titled “Gran Marcha” (The Great March). The event took place exactly one month after US forces abducted President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. During the march, participants carried signs expressing support for the detained president and calling for their release from detention in a US prison.

Nicolas Maduro Guerra, son of the detained president, addressed the crowd from a stage, stating that the US military’s abduction of his father on January 3 would be remembered as a “scar” on Venezuela’s face. The march was organized by the government and involved public sector workers, with trucks playing music to accompany the procession.

The event was part of a global day of action, with protesters from diverse ideological backgrounds coming together to demand the couple’s release. Local media outlet Venezuela News reported that the demonstration united voices worldwide, with slogans such as “Bring them back” and “Hands off Venezuela”.

Participants expressed their emotions during the march, with some stating they felt confused, sad, and angry about the detention of President Maduro and his wife. Others showed support for interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, who has been working to appease Maduro’s supporters while accommodating US demands.

Earlier in the day, hundreds of university students and relatives of political prisoners also marched in Caracas, calling for the quick approval of an amnesty law promised by Rodriguez that would free prisoners from the country’s jails.

Source: Al Jazeera