Thousands of supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took to the streets of Caracas on January 4, demanding his release following his capture by U.S. forces. Protesters chanted pro-Maduro slogans such as “Venezuela with Nicolas,” with some demonstrators seen carrying rifles and holding placards reading “Free our president.”
Many described Maduro’s removal as a violation of Venezuela’s security and sovereignty. The protests came after the Trump administration carried out strikes on Caracas and captured Maduro and his wife on January 3. President Donald Trump said the United States would run Venezuela until a “safe, proper and judicious transition.”
Maduro is currently being held at a detention centre in New York and is expected to appear before a U.S. court on charges related to narcoterrorism.