Venezuelans Rally Worldwide to Support Opposition Claims Against Maduro

CARACAS, Venezuela — In a show of solidarity, Venezuelans around the globe took to the streets on Saturday, responding to a call from the political opposition to contest President Nicolás Maduro's controversial election victory. Demonstrators, waving national flags and chanting slogans, urged international governments to support opposition candidate Edmundo González and to stand with those in Venezuela who fear retaliation for opposing the regime. Opposition leader María Corina Machado led the Caracas rally, declaring it a pivotal moment for electoral integrity and freedom. The protests were fueled by claims from González and Machado that they had obtained over 80% of the vote tally sheets from the recent election, which they argue substantiate their assertion of victory. As crowds gathered, chants of “Maduro out!” echoed through the streets, reflecting a growing discontent among Venezuelans. Participants expressed frustration over the government's reluctance to release official voting results, with some questioning what the administration fears. In Mexico City, similar sentiments were echoed as demonstrators criticized the Mexican government's absence from a recent Organization of American States hearing on Venezuela's electoral crisis. Many participants, including those who have fled Venezuela, highlighted the pervasive fear among citizens to speak out against Maduro's government, especially following a crackdown that has seen over 2,000 arrests and at least 24 fatalities linked to election-related protests, according to human rights organizations. The ongoing unrest underscores the deepening political crisis in Venezuela, as citizens continue to demand accountability and transparency from their government amidst a backdrop of repression and violence.