In a massive show of support, thousands of Venezuelans flooded the streets of Caracas on Tuesday, calling for the freedom of Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores. The demonstration comes a month after their capture by US forces and extradition to New York on drug-related charges, fueling anti-US sentiment across the capital.
The march, organized by the government, stretched several hundred meters. Trucks blared music as protesters waved Venezuelan flags. Many wore red, the color of the ruling Chavista movement, named after Maduro’s socialist predecessor, Hugo Chavez.
“Venezuela needs Nicolas,” chanted the crowd. Maduro’s son, Nicolas “Nicolasito” Maduro Guerra, a deputy in the National Assembly, declared, “These people are not American. We have achieved a profound anti-imperialist consciousness.”
Jose Perdomo, a 58-year-old municipal worker, said, “We feel confused, sad, angry. Sooner or later, they will have to free our president.” The demonstration reflected both support for Maduro and the complex emotions surrounding the country’s current crisis.
Delcy Rodriguez navigates political pressures
Interim President Delcy Rodriguez has walked a delicate line since Maduro’s arrest. She seeks support from Washington while maintaining backing from Maduro loyalists in her government and among Venezuelans.
Rodriguez, a former vice president under Maduro, has started freeing political prisoners and opened Venezuela’s nationalized oil industry to private investment. In recent days, she met with US envoy Laura Dogu, who presented a three-phase plan to stabilize Venezuela. The plan ends with “the transition to a friendly, stable, prosperous, and democratic Venezuela,” according to the US mission.
Rodriguez described the meeting as “a frank conversation.” Meanwhile, President Donald Trump stated he is willing to work with her, provided she follows Washington’s directives, especially regarding oil access.
Political prisoners and amnesty debate
Earlier on Tuesday, hundreds of university students and relatives of political prisoners marched in the capital. They called for the quick approval of an amnesty law promised by Rodriguez. The law aims to address the period of political violence and promote national reconciliation.
Opposition deputy Stalin Gonzalez stated, that he expects the first debate on amnesty in the National Assembly on Thursday. “I hope that the amnesty opens the door to reconciliation, coexistence, peace, and democracy,” he said.
Anti-government demonstrations had been rare since the crackdown after Maduro’s 2024 reelection, which saw over 2,000 people jailed. Additionally, crowds returned to Caracas, chanting “Freedom is in the streets and no one can stop it” and calling for new elections in the wake of Maduro’s removal.
