New Delhi, Jan 4: Supporters of Venezuela’s government held a rally in the capital, Caracas, demanding the release of President Nicolás Maduro following his capture by US forces.
Protesters chanted “we want Maduro” as they marched through the city, led by Caracas Mayor Carmen Meléndez, a staunch government loyalist. Wearing a military uniform, Meléndez said demonstrators had taken to the streets to protest what she described as Maduro’s “kidnapping” by the United States as reported by BBC and international media.
Meanwhile, opponents of the government have cautiously expressed hope that the capture of Maduro and his wife could lead to political change, largely through private messages among friends and family. Public dissent remains risky, however, after the government’s harsh crackdown on protests following the disputed 2024 presidential election, which saw thousands arrested and jailed. Many Venezuelans living abroad were seen celebrating openly in cities across the world where they have resettled, reports the international media.