Clashes Erupt Over Maduro Support Outside Court
On Monday, New York City police had to step in as demonstrators, mainly left-handed supporters of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, clashed with a group of Venezuelans and Cubans demanding his arrest outside a downtown courthouse.
Around 30 protesters were seen waving signs that read “Free Maduro” and “No to war for Venezuelan oil.” This gathering occurred as Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, were set to make their first court appearance on serious charges, including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Brooklyn-native Shelley Finkelman expressed her confusion, stating, “I don’t understand why the United States would label him a dictator when he was elected twice in transparent elections.” However, her comments overlook widespread condemnation of those elections as illegitimate. Many countries, including the U.S., do not recognize Maduro’s presidency following his last election in 2024.
Progressive organizations like Human Rights Watch have criticized Maduro’s regime for its brutal tactics and have pointed to the numerous victims and the humanitarian crises affecting millions.
Despite this, Finkelman dismissed the Venezuelan sentiments celebrating Maduro’s potential arrest, labeling them as mere “propaganda.” This comes even as the Biden administration previously suggested a $25 million reward for his capture.
A few Venezuelans at the scene voiced their approval for the actions against Maduro, shouting insults at the leftist demonstrators, while police kept the two groups apart.
“You son of a bitch – what! You don’t even know where Venezuela is!” yelled Dario Branzo, a Cuban immigrant. Maria Su, who arrived from Caracas in 2017, echoed these sentiments calling the other demonstrators “paid protesters” who don’t even speak Spanish.
Will Contres, a 52-year-old immigrant from Caracas, added, “You are not meant for my country!” emphasizing the language barrier. Another Venezuelan man expressed his disdain with vulgar gestures.
As tensions grew, supporters of Maduro’s arrest confronted those advocating his return, asking where they were from in Venezuela. One protester awkwardly acknowledged he was from Staten Island and just there to support. This led to a brief skirmish, quickly managed by the NYPD as demonstrators tore down a Venezuelan flag he had brought.
Questions about the motivations behind the leftist demonstrators arose, with accusations that they were in it for payment rather than genuine support. A mocking remark in Spanish pointed out that they were not truly Venezuelan and were likely being paid to protest.
Some voices from the anti-Maduro group insisted that the pro-Maduro protesters were clearly misguided. Rafael Escalante, a Venezuelan-American, stated, “We’re happy to be here today because he’s going to get justice,” while stressing the importance of Venezuelans telling their own history, not through “a group of paid activists.”
