Thousands of Venezuelans March to Demand Maduro’s Freedom

CARACAS: Thousands of supporters of Venezuela’s former leader Nicolas Maduro marched in Caracas on Tuesday demanding his release. Maduro was ousted in a US military operation and faces drug charges in New York. The march came exactly one month after his removal. Demonstrators held photos of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who was also seized during the raid. Trucks blared music as the crowd chanted, “Venezuela needs Nicolas.”

The protest was organized by the government and included many public sector workers. Marchers waved Venezuelan flags and wore red, the color of the ruling Chavista movement. Maduro’s son, Nicolasito Maduro Guerra, called the demonstration a sign of “profound anti-imperialist consciousness.” Supporters said they felt confused, angry, and hopeful that Maduro would eventually be freed. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez continues to navigate between Maduro’s loyalists and Washington’s expectations.

Rodriguez, a former vice president under Maduro, has begun releasing political prisoners and opened Venezuela’s nationalized oil sector to private investment. She recently met with US officials, aiming to stabilize relations and secure economic cooperation. Rodriguez outlined a three-phase plan for Venezuela, ultimately seeking a “friendly, stable, prosperous and democratic” country. Meanwhile, students and relatives of political prisoners also marched, urging the swift approval of an amnesty law.

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The proposed amnesty law has yet to be debated in Venezuela’s National Assembly, led by Jorge Rodriguez, Delcy’s brother. Opposition deputy Stalin Gonzalez expects the first discussion on Thursday. He hopes the law will promote reconciliation, coexistence, peace, and democracy. Anti-government protests had been rare since a 2024 crackdown, which saw over 2,000 people jailed. Supporters said, “Freedom is in the streets and no one can stop it!”

Venezuela’s opposition continues to call for fresh elections following Maduro’s ouster. Demonstrations reflect deep political divisions and the ongoing struggle between Maduro loyalists and anti-government forces. The marches signal growing public engagement in shaping the country’s future. Observers say how the amnesty law and dialogue with Washington unfold will be critical for stability. Maduro’s fate remains a focal point of Venezuela’s political crisis.