Thousands of supporters marched through Caracas on Tuesday demanding the release of former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro, who was arrested a month ago following a deadly US military operation that removed him from power. Maduro was taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges. The government-organized rally drew large numbers of public employees carrying images of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, who was also detained during the operation.

Interim president Delcy Rodríguez faces a complex political situation, balancing Washington’s support while maintaining backing from Maduro loyalists within the government and society. Maduro’s son, National Assembly deputy Nicolás ‘Nicolasito’ Maduro Guerra, declared that Venezuelans reject US dominance and embrace anti-imperialist sentiment. Many demonstrators wore red, symbolizing the Chavista movement founded by Hugo Chávez.

Under pressure to normalize relations with the United States, Rodríguez’s government has begun releasing political prisoners and opening the state energy sector to private investment. The US envoy Laura Dogu outlined a three-step plan for building a stable and democratic Venezuela. Meanwhile, students and relatives of political detainees also marched, urging swift passage of a promised amnesty law.