In Canada, demonstrations in Hamilton criticized the U.S. for seizing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife, denouncing the military intervention as a violation of international law. Ken Stone from the Canada-Wide Peace and Justice Network led about two dozen protesters outside the government building in Hamilton, demanding the U.S. to return Maduro and Cilia Flores to Venezuela. The protesters in Hamilton joined others in Canadian cities calling on the Canadian government to pressure the U.S. regarding the situation.
Maduro and Flores were arrested in Caracas in a U.S. military operation and brought to New York to face charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. They both pleaded not guilty on Monday. Maduro’s lawyer claimed he was “abducted” by the military, drawing condemnation from Venezuela’s allies. President Trump’s administration defended the capture, stating it was justified by the criminal charges.
Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed support for the Venezuelan people’s right to determine their future peacefully. While no Venezuelan community members were present at the Hamilton demonstration, individuals from other Latin American countries voiced their opposition to the U.S. actions. Federico Luchsinger, a Chilean refugee, criticized the U.S.’s approach, highlighting concerns about ulterior motives related to Chinese influence and Venezuela’s oil reserves.
Zainab Naqvi, another protester, condemned Western powers for exploiting less powerful nations. In Montreal, some Venezuelan demonstrators welcomed Maduro’s removal, expressing hope for a better future. Geraldine Pacheco, a Venezuelan in Newfoundland, also celebrated the news, citing the challenging conditions in Venezuela under Maduro’s regime. Venezuelans crossing into Colombia expressed a mix of uncertainty and cautious optimism about the future.
