Venezuelans and Cubans residing in Uruguay gathered this Saturday in Montevideo to celebrate the capture of Nicolás Maduro, in a demonstration filled with slogans for freedom, expressions of gratitude towards the United States, and calls for a democratic transition in Venezuela.
The gathering, whose images were shared by the Facebook page of the group Cubanos Libres in Uruguay, took place in a central square of the capital and brought together Venezuelans, Cubans, and citizens of that South American nation who reacted to the news of Maduro's capture following the U.S. military operation.
Amid flags of Venezuela, Cuba, and the United States, the protesters chanted slogans against communism and celebrated what they described as the beginning of a new era for Venezuela.
In the speeches collected in the shared videos on social media, several speakers called for unity and the rebuilding of Venezuela, expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the Uruguayan people to Venezuelan migrants, and emphasized that the struggle must continue to ensure a genuine transition.
"Free Venezuela, gentlemen," shouted one of the participants, while others recalled the elections of July 28, 2024, and demanded respect for the popular mandate expressed at the polls.
The demonstration was not without tensions. In one of the most tense moments, a woman identified by attendees as a supporter of the Venezuelan government was confronted and expelled from the venue amid shouts of "Out!", highlighting the emotional charge and the climate of confrontation that permeates the diaspora.
There were also interventions acknowledging that Washington's actions are motivated not only by democratic ideals but also by interests related to drug trafficking and regional security.
The event included a more formal speech directed at the press, in which the "usurpation of power" in Venezuela was denounced, the release of political prisoners was demanded, and international support was requested for the establishment of a transitional government.
The speakers insisted that the situation in Venezuela is not an ideological dispute, but a crisis of human rights and democratic legality.
In the comments on the videos, some users openly celebrated the news. "Happy for the Venezuelans... I hope Cuba is free too," wrote one forum member.
Others called for caution. "Not yet, for now it’s the United States; we'll see how this story ends," warned another person.
A netizen, on the other hand, questioned the enthusiasm: “Talking about glimpses of freedom is nonsense. Since when have U.S. invasions left sovereignty intact?”
A user summarized the prevailing tone among the attendees: “Celebrate, Venezuelans, this day is yours.”
The mobilization in Montevideo occurs in a regional context marked by the capture of Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, the subsequent designation of Delcy Rodríguez as acting president by the Venezuelan Supreme Court, and the statements from President Donald Trump, who asserted that Washington will oversee the transition process.
At the same time, intellectuals and heads of state have voiced concerns about the way the leader's downfall occurred, warning about the risks of an externally imposed solution.
Filed under:
