The capture of Venezuela’s leader by U. S troops has sparked protests across Canada, including a gathering in uptown Waterloo, southern Ontario on Monday.
The news about Nicolàs Maduro’s ousting has brought mixed feelings among protesters, with some celebrating while others criticized the U. S. military’s intervention.
On Monday, the streets of uptown Waterloo echoed with chants against President Donald Trump’s decision. Some passing cars honked in support as demonstrators displayed signs that read, “Trump get your bloody hands off Venezuela” and “Yankee go home.”
Nicholas Lopez, a local resident with ties to Venezuela, shared his thoughts with about Trump’s actions against Maduro possibly leading to more significant issues.
“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 people waved Venezuelan flags and held up signs alongside a Palestinian flag at Waterloo Town Square on Monday while chanting slogans linking both nations regarding U. S. involvement. Over the weekend, U. S. forces arrested Venezuelan leader Nicolàs Maduro and his wife and transported them to New York City for charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy tied to narco-terrorism. The U. S.’s actions have triggered responses from various groups across Canada, both supporting and opposing the military intervention.
The protest was organized by Tamara Lorincz from Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Canada, which has been behind many Hands off Venezuela protests nationwide.
“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 mentioned.
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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 people waved Venezuelan flags and held up signs alongside a Palestinian flag at Waterloo Town Square on Monday while chanting slogans linking both nations regarding U. S. involvement. Over the weekend, U. S. forces arrested Venezuelan leader Nicolàs Maduro and his wife and transported them to New York City for charges related to drug trafficking and conspiracy tied to narco-terrorism. The U. S.’s actions have triggered responses from various groups across Canada, both supporting and opposing the military intervention.
The protest was organized by Tamara Lorincz from Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom Canada, which has been behind many Hands off Venezuela protests nationwide.
“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 mentioned.
Other Venezuelans celebrating
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were taken into custody during an unusual U. S. military operation early Saturday morning and flown to New York City where they faced criminal charges related to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism accusations. Both pleaded not guilty on Monday. Some Venezuelan-Canadians expressed relief over Maduro’s removal regardless of how it happened. Sophia Dineen grew up in Venezuela but now lives in Kenilworth; she left her homeland 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 can.. live normally without worrying about water shortages or basic needs being met consistently, then take all the oil you want,” Dineen stated. “This is huge for us. We’ve been asking for help for quite some time.” She made it clear she is “not a Trump supporter.” “I’ve seen what he has done.. I understand why people resent him, I feel that way most of the time too. But there are specific scenarios like this one that aren’t just black and white,” Dineen noted. “There are so many aspects involved here; they’re missing how significant this is for Venezuelans-it’s a huge chance for change.”Why was Maduro arrested?
Maduro’s lawyer claims he was “abducted” by military forces while Russia, China, and other allies condemned the operation. Loyalists still hold power within Venezuela while an interim president demands his return. In response, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated Saturday night that Canada supports Venezuelans’ “right to decide their own future peacefully and democratically.” He didn’t directly address whether he believed U. S actions were legal or not.Source link
