CARACAS – Approximately 2,000 supporters demonstrated in Caracas on January 4th, calling for the release of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. The couple is currently being held in a New York jail after being taken into custody by US forces.
Demonstrations and Accusations
The demonstration included members of pro-Maduro paramilitaries and bikers, and participants carried Venezuelan flags. Placards displayed slogans such as “Free our President,” alongside images of Maduro’s predecessor, Hugo Chavez, and “Venezuela is no-one’s colony,” a direct response to US President Donald Trump’s January 3rd statement regarding a US-led transition in Venezuela.
Mr. Maduro is scheduled to appear in a New York court on January 5th to face charges of “narcoterrorism” related to alleged cocaine trafficking into the United States. Nairda Itriago, a 56-year-old demonstrator, angrily stated, “The narcotrafficker and terrorist is Trump,” and accused US forces of causing civilian casualties during airstrikes conducted while Maduro was captured.
Casualties and Allegations of Betrayal
Venezuelan hospitals have not released official figures regarding casualties from the pre-dawn airstrikes. Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez reported that a “large part” of Maduro’s security team, along with military personnel and civilians, were killed “in cold blood,” but did not provide specific numbers. A doctors’ group, however, reported approximately 70 deaths and 90 injuries.
Demonstrators speculated that Maduro’s capture at the country’s largest military base was facilitated by a traitor within his close circle. A 69-year-old accountant, Papa Juancho, questioned how the air defenses failed, stating, “Nicolas Maduro was removed by traitors, because with the amount of security he had this should never have happened.” Maduro’s son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, echoed these suspicions in a social media message, stating, “History will tell who the traitors were.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges is Nicolas Maduro facing?
Mr. Maduro is due in court in New York to face charges of “narcoterrorism” tied to alleged cocaine trafficking into the United States.
What was the response to Donald Trump’s statement about Venezuela?
Demonstrators held placards stating “Venezuela is no-one’s colony,” in response to President Trump’s announcement that Washington would “run” Venezuela during an unspecified transitional period.
What are the reports regarding casualties from the US airstrikes?
Venezuelan hospitals have not released official numbers, but Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez stated a “large part” of Maduro’s security team was killed. A doctors’ group reported around 70 deaths and 90 injuries.
Given the ongoing uncertainty and accusations of betrayal, the political landscape in Venezuela could remain volatile in the coming days and weeks. It is possible that further demonstrations will occur, and the legal proceedings in New York will likely be closely watched.
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