A biting wind swept through downtown Ottawa on a frigid Sunday afternoon as over a hundred demonstrators converged near the U.S. Embassy, their voices rising in protest against the recent U.S. military operation in Venezuela. The action culminated in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, a move that has ignited a firestorm of international debate.
The demonstration unfolded just hours after the United States announced its intention to prosecute Maduro in New York, simultaneously declaring a “transitional” period where the U.S. would assume control of Venezuela. The specifics of this transition – its duration and implementation – remain shrouded in uncertainty, fueling anxieties and sparking fervent opposition.
Chants of “Hands off Venezuela!” and “Down with Donald Trump!” echoed through the streets, punctuated by cries of “Down with imperialism!” and “Up with socialism!” Protesters brandished Venezuelan flags alongside banners bearing the emblem of the Communist Party of Canada, a visible display of solidarity and ideological alignment.
Emmanuel Agalleguillos-Cote, a Chilean protester, drew a stark parallel to his own nation’s history. “This echoes the same stories,” he explained, referencing U.S. intervention in Chile and its support for the Pinochet regime. “The United States has treated Latin America as its own backyard, believing its resources belong to them, when they rightfully belong to the people.”
Agalleguillos-Cote voiced concerns about escalating aggression, but also hinted at a potential shift in regional dynamics. “This might create more unity among the Global South,” he suggested, envisioning a more unified Latin America standing against external interference.
The Communist Party of Canada sharply criticized the Canadian government’s response, labeling it a “de facto endorsement” of what they termed U.S. “piracy, murder and kidnapping.” Their statement accused Canada of tacitly supporting a controversial and potentially illegal intervention.
Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement affirming Canada’s support for the Venezuelan people’s “sovereign right to decide their own future.” He reiterated Canada’s lack of recognition for Maduro’s government, framing the situation as an opportunity for “freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Canada’s long-standing commitment to the “rule of law and democracy” in Venezuela. However, neither official addressed the legality of the U.S. military operation itself, leaving a critical question unanswered.
The protest wasn’t without its dissenters. Some argued that the demonstration ignored the voices of Venezuelans who suffered under Maduro’s rule, those who desperately sought an end to his leadership. A different perspective emerged from those who had fled the country seeking refuge.
Diana and Ana Rizo, sisters born and raised in Venezuela, recounted their escape from persecution after protesting against Maduro’s government in 2014. They spoke of widespread poverty, resource scarcity, and a government that prioritized ideology over the basic needs of its citizens.
“I see people who are not from my country protesting, chanting ‘hands off Venezuela,’ but they didn’t care about us when our resources were exploited,” Diana Rizo lamented. She described a nation stripped of its wealth, plagued by shortages of essential resources like water, electricity, and fuel.
Ana Rizo urged protesters to consider the plight of those who endured hardship under Maduro’s regime. “If you stand with the Venezuelan people, you have to stand against the dictatorship,” she insisted, advocating for a U.S. presence to stabilize the situation and facilitate a peaceful transition.
The sisters expressed a longing to return to Venezuela, but only after a peaceful and democratic government is established. They hold onto hope for a future where they can reunite with their family and rebuild their lives in a free and prosperous nation.
