Supporters of Nicolás Maduro gathered in central Caracas as the former Venezuelan president appeared in a New York court, denouncing his detention by the United States and calling for his immediate release.
The rally, held at Bolívar Square, brought together dozens of demonstrators waving Venezuelan flags and holding signs reading “Free Maduro” and “We want them back.” Screens were set up in the square to follow updates from the high-profile hearing taking place in Manhattan.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, have been in US custody since January, when they were captured in a military operation in Caracas and transferred to New York to face charges including narcoterrorism.
Speaking to the crowd, lawmaker Nicolás Maduro Guerra, the former president’s son, described the legal proceedings as politically motivated.
“This trial is illegitimate and illegal,” he said, urging Venezuelans to continue mobilizing. “It is so important to raise the voice of truth… so that the people of Venezuela may raise their voices for justice and peace, and so that we may know that we are not criminals.”
The rally was organized by Venezuela’s ruling party, which had called on supporters to demonstrate what it described as the “innocence” of Maduro and Flores. Party officials have also launched a sustained social media campaign using slogans such as “Free Maduro.”
The protests in Caracas coincided with a closely watched court hearing in New York, where US District Judge Alvin Hellerstein is considering a dispute over whether the Venezuelan government can fund Maduro’s legal defense.
At the same time, smaller but visible demonstrations took place in the United States, particularly in New York City. Protests both supporting and opposing Maduro gathered near the courthouse. Supporters called for his release and denounced US intervention, while critics of Maduro rallied in favor of the prosecution, accusing him of corruption and human rights abuses.
Maduro’s lawyers argue that blocking access to Venezuelan state funds undermines his right to choose legal representation, while US prosecutors maintain that the government does not recognize him as Venezuela’s legitimate president and has questioned the use of those funds.
The judge said he would issue a decision soon but declined to dismiss the case at this stage, signaling that the legal battle is likely to continue.
