Protests in Caracas Demand Maduro's Release

Thousands of supporters of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan president overthrown by the US, protested in Caracas yesterday, demanding his release. Maduro and his wife were captured during the American military operation on January 3rd.

The demonstration took place on the 68th anniversary of the fall of the Marcos Pérez Jiménez dictatorship (1948-1958). Protesters denounced Maduro's "illegal" arrest and demanded his return to Venezuela.

The country's interim president, Delsy Rodríguez, seeks closer ties with Washington, but her government demands the return of Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

"We want them back," read a banner in O'Leary Square. Marlene Blanco, a 65-year-old accountant, called Maduro's arrest "illegal" and "unfair."

Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello assured that Delsy Rodríguez has "the full support of the ruling party."