Massive Protests Erupt in Venezuela After President Maduro’s Re-Election
In Caracas, Venezuela, protests have intensified following the re-election of President Nicolas Maduro. Opposition leaders, including Maria Corina Machado, dispute the results, claiming that Edmundo Gonzalez won the election. Machado called for families to join ‘popular assemblies’ across the nation.
On Tuesday, opposition leaders gathered in Caracas, with Machado urging peaceful protests against what she called ‘fraud by the regime.’ Large crowds, waving Venezuelan flags, chanted, ‘We are not afraid!’ Protests also took place in Valencia, Maracay, San Cristobal, Maracaibo, and Barquisimeto.
The National Electoral Council confirmed Maduro’s re-election for a term from 2025 to 2031, sparking widespread anger. Protesters were met with tear gas and rubber bullets from police. The Venezuelan Conflict Observatory reported 187 protests in 20 states, with numerous acts of repression and violence by paramilitary groups and security forces. Rights group Foro Penal reported at least 11 deaths related to the election and protests.
Meanwhile, opposition party Voluntad Popular announced that its national coordinator, Freddy Superlano, had been detained. Maduro dismissed international criticism, claiming Venezuela was facing an attempted ‘coup d’etat’ and blaming Gonzalez for the unrest. He warned that ‘justice will come.’
Doubts Revealed
Venezuela -: Venezuela is a country in South America. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and rich natural resources like oil.
President Maduro -: Nicolas Maduro is the President of Venezuela. He has been in power since 2013, but many people in Venezuela are unhappy with his leadership.
Re-Election -: Re-Election means that someone who is already in a position, like a president, has been chosen again to continue in that position after an election.
Opposition Leaders -: Opposition leaders are people who are against the current government. They often belong to different political parties and want to change how the country is run.
Maria Corina Machado -: Maria Corina Machado is a politician in Venezuela. She is one of the leaders who is against President Maduro.
Edmundo Gonzalez -: Edmundo Gonzalez is another politician in Venezuela. He is also against President Maduro and claims he won the election.
Tear Gas -: Tear gas is a chemical that makes people’s eyes water and causes pain. It is often used by police to control crowds during protests.
Rubber Bullets -: Rubber bullets are non-lethal bullets made of rubber. They are used by police to control crowds but can still hurt people.
Venezuelan Conflict Observatory -: The Venezuelan Conflict Observatory is a group that keeps track of protests and conflicts in Venezuela. They report on how many protests happen and other important details.
Foro Penal -: Foro Penal is an organization in Venezuela that helps people who are in trouble with the law, especially those who are unfairly treated during protests.
Dismissed Criticism -: Dismissed criticism means that President Maduro did not agree with or pay attention to the negative things people were saying about him.
Impending Justice -: Impending justice means that President Maduro warned that there would be consequences or punishment for those he blames for the unrest.
