Tenerife Pro-Maduro Protest Condemns US "Aggression"
A pro-Maduro group protested outside the Venezuelan Consulate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife on Saturday, condemning US attacks on Venezuela and demanding "freedom for Maduro" amid high international tensions following US claims of his capture.
A group supporting Nicolás Maduro, called the Bolivarian Platform, protested on Saturday outside the Venezuelan Consulate in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. They held signs saying "Canarias with Venezuela" and condemned what they called a "massacre" after recent US attacks on Venezuela.
This protest happened during a time of high international tension. It followed a US military operation in Venezuela, which the White House claimed resulted in President Nicolás Maduro's capture and removal from the country.
The protesters carried flags and banners, calling the US actions an "aggression" and shouting "freedom for Maduro." This led to tense moments with other people nearby who supported the US operation and Maduro's arrest by the Trump administration.
Witnesses said the pro-Venezuela protesters argued that the US attacks on Caracas and other cities, including airstrikes and bombings of military sites, broke international law and put civilians at risk. However, some people who supported Maduro's capture claimed the US acted to hold him responsible for alleged drug trafficking and corruption. Maduro's legal and political status remains a debated international issue.
The protest involved speeches, shouting, and some tense moments, but local and national police kept things under control. No arrests or serious fights were reported. Police sources said they are watching the situation for any future protests.
This protest took place during a time of unusual international tension. The US government had announced that Maduro and his wife were "captured" and taken out of Venezuela after the attacks. While the White House confirmed this, Venezuelan authorities have not fully verified it, calling the US action "military aggression."
Separately, groups representing Venezuelans living in the Canary Islands have asked to meet with Spanish officials and the Consulate. They want to share their worries about the situation and ensure the safety of their families in Venezuela, where tensions are still rising.