The recent capture of Venezuela’s leader by U. S. troops has sparked protests across Canada, including in uptown Waterloo in southern Ontario on Monday.
The news about Nicolàs Maduro’s removal has drawn mixed reactions from demonstrators, with some expressing joy while others criticize the U. S. military’s involvement.
On Monday, uptown Waterloo echoed with chants from protesters denouncing U. S. President Donald Trump’s decision. Some cars passing by honked in support as demonstrators held signs that read, “Trump get your bloody hands off Venezuela” and “Yankee go home.”
Nicholas Lopez, a resident of Waterloo with Venezuelan heritage, told that Trump’s actions against Maduro could lead to greater implications.
“This is a very dangerous precedent for any country in the world,” said Lopez.
“President Trump not too long ago said Canada should be the 51st state. Who’s going to stop him?”
WATCH | Protesters gather for ‘free Venezuela’ rally in uptown Waterloo:
Protesters gather for ‘free Venezuela’ rally in uptown Waterloo
A group of around 20 individuals waved the Venezuelan flag alongside a Palestinian flag at Waterloo Town Square on Monday, chanting various slogans to draw parallels between the two nations regarding U. S. intervention. Over the weekend, U. S. military forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolàs Maduro and his wife, bringing them to New York to face charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy among other offenses. The U. S.’s actions have prompted mixed responses from people both opposing and supporting the military operation, with similar protests occurring throughout Canada.
The protest was organized by Tamara Lorincz, a member of Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Canada. This organization is behind numerous Hands off Venezuela protests that have taken place across Canada.
“I’m very worried that the United States is going to be bombing other countries like they’ve bombed Iran, for instance. So the United States has been wanting to control Venezuelan oil and critical minerals for a very long time. And in fact, Canadian mining companies have interests in Venezuela as well,” Lorincz said.
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Tamara Lorincz organized the Waterloo protest against Trump’s interference into Venezuela. She’s a member of Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Canada, which has organized similar protests across the country. (Aastha Shetty/CBC)
“I am very worried about what could happen to other socialist countries in Latin America.”
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Protesters gather for ‘free Venezuela’ rally in uptown Waterloo
A group of around 20 individuals waved the Venezuelan flag alongside a Palestinian flag at Waterloo Town Square on Monday, chanting various slogans to draw parallels between the two nations regarding U. S. intervention. Over the weekend, U. S. military forces captured Venezuelan leader Nicolàs Maduro and his wife, bringing them to New York to face charges related to narco-terrorism conspiracy among other offenses. The U. S.’s actions have prompted mixed responses from people both opposing and supporting the military operation, with similar protests occurring throughout Canada.
The protest was organized by Tamara Lorincz, a member of Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Canada. This organization is behind numerous Hands off Venezuela protests that have taken place across Canada.
“I’m very worried that the United States is going to be bombing other countries like they’ve bombed Iran, for instance. So the United States has been wanting to control Venezuelan oil and critical minerals for a very long time. And in fact, Canadian mining companies have interests in Venezuela as well,” Lorincz said.
Other Venezuelans Celebrating
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were apprehended in Caracas during an extraordinary U. S. military operation early Saturday and taken to New York City to face criminal charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism. They both pleaded not guilty on Monday. Some Venezuelan-Canadians express relief over Maduro’s departure regardless of how it happened. Sophia Dineen was born and raised in Venezuela but now resides in Kenilworth after being forced out at just 17 due to Maduro’s regime. “Yes [Trump] likely wants oil. But other countries have been taking oil for a while,” Dineen told . “If my family and friends have the capabilities to.. have a normal life, not be scared that the water is going off at specific times, consistent basic means, then take all the oil you want,” Dineen said. “This is huge for us. We have been asking for help for a while.” She insisted she is “not a Trump supporter.” “I’ve seen what he has done.. I get the resentment towards him and I have it most of the time. But there are specific scenarios like this one that it’s not just black and white,” Dineen said. “There are so many aspects of this and so many layers. They’re taking away the fact that this is huge for Venezuelans and this is a huge opportunity for change.”Why Was Maduro Arrested?
Maduro’s lawyer claimed his client was “abducted” by U. S forces; Russia, China, and other allies of Venezuela condemned this raid as well. Supporters loyal to Maduro remain influential within the country while an interim president demands his return. In response Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Saturday evening that Canada supports “the right of Venezuelans to decide their own future peacefully.” He did not specifically comment on whether he believes what occurred was lawful or not.Source link
