Yesterday, thousands of individuals gathered at Plaza de España in Santa Cruz de Tenerife to demand “justice” and express their outrage over the alleged “fraud” in the recent presidential elections in their homeland. The Venezuelan community made a strong statement, insisting that “international pressure must not waver” until President Nicolás Maduro acknowledges the victory of opposition candidate Edmundo González in the elections.
Dressed in their national attire and waving flags, Venezuelans residing on the island joined in the global demonstrations, brandishing protest signs with messages such as “This regime has fallen”, “Release political prisoners”, and “The fight continues”.
In the capital city of Spain, Madrid, the bustling Puerta del Sol square witnessed a gathering of individuals carrying Venezuelan flags and numerous banners advocating for Edmundo González Urruita’s victory. Banners displayed messages such as “We cannot ignore the voices calling for change”, “Freedom for political prisoners”, “The struggle persists”, “Intervene now”, and “No more repression, no more casualties”. Other slogans included “Maduro lost, we have the evidence”, “Edmundo for President with a clear majority”, “Freedom, freedom”, “Down with Nicolás the murderer”, and “The regime has crumbled”.
Former Caracas Mayor Antonio Ledezma, currently in exile in Madrid, accused the Venezuelan government of receiving support from “mercenaries” dispatched from Nicaragua or Cuba to suppress the populace. Ledezma questioned whether the international community would stand by and watch as the innocent and peaceful Venezuelan population, who bravely participated in the elections, are brutally oppressed by a dictator like Maduro. He urged leaders such as Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to unambiguously denounce the electoral “fraud” in Venezuela, as other Latin American leaders have done.
Political figures from Spanish parties like the conservative Popular Party (PP) and the far-right Vox were present at the rally.
Alfonso Serrano, the general secretary of the PP in Madrid, conveyed to the media that “a unanimous cry is reverberating across the globe today, demanding a free Venezuela and respect for the election results.” He highlighted the international calls for a peaceful transition in the United States and the increasing support from other nations. Serrano expressed optimism that Maduro’s downfall is imminent, emphasizing the need to persevere in the ongoing push for change.
Similar protests were scheduled in various regions of the country, home to around 400,000 Venezuelan residents.
Marches
Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado urged nationwide marches, particularly in Caracas, and worldwide demonstrations. Machado declared, “We secured victory on July 28th and now it is time to claim our triumph in Caracas. As a united family, across every city and town in the nation, we will unite to validate our victory: We emerged triumphant!” In her address, she decried the authorities’ persecution and abduction of citizens who defended the electoral votes. “As a united family, proudly brandishing your flag, let us gather peacefully and enthusiastically across Venezuela! In Caracas, we shall assemble at 10 am on the main avenue of Las Mercedes,” Machado announced, concluding with the declaration “Venezuela shall be emancipated!”
Meanwhile, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro alleged that “opposition leaders” were plotting an “assault” in Caracas.
