Protests Erupt in Venezuela as Statues of Hugo Chávez are Toppled

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — In a dramatic display of dissent, anti-government activists across Venezuela have begun toppling statues of Hugo Chávez, the late president revered by many, in response to allegations of electoral fraud by his successor, Nicolás Maduro. In La Guaira, protesters dismantled a 12-foot statue of Chávez, which was dedicated by Maduro in 2017, amid chants of “this government is going to fall.” The statue was subsequently set ablaze, symbolizing the protesters' anger and desire to dismantle the regime's power. This wave of statue destruction is not unprecedented; similar acts occurred during anti-government protests in 2017 and 2019. However, the recent surge, with five statues attacked in just 24 hours, highlights the escalating frustration among Venezuelans following the National Electoral Council's declaration of Maduro as the election winner. Opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez claims he received more than double the votes of the incumbent, intensifying claims of electoral manipulation. Authorities have responded to the unrest with force, as plainclothes military intelligence officers attempted to prevent journalists from documenting the aftermath of the statue's destruction. Maduro condemned the attacks, asserting that they disrespected the legacy of Chávez, who remains a significant figure for many Venezuelans. He likened the protests to revolutionary movements in post-Soviet states and warned of the potential consequences if the opposition were to gain power. As tensions rise, the situation in Venezuela remains volatile, with the government cracking down on dissent while protesters continue to challenge the legitimacy of Maduro's rule.