Cuban activist and doctor Fernando Vázquez held a demonstration this Saturday in a Havana park to show solidarity with the Venezuelan people, who are demanding the ouster of Nicolás Maduro. The activist's initiative took place in front of the statue of Simón Bolívar located on Avenida de los Presidentes in Vedado, Havana. There, he recalled the story "Tres Héroes" by José Martí and the tale: "They say a traveler arrived in Caracas at dusk, and without shaking off the dust of the road, he did not ask where to eat or sleep, but how to get to the statue of Bolívar." He then paraphrased, stating that all of Cuba stands with the Venezuelan people and supports their demand for freedom: "Give me Venezuela to serve her: she has in me a son," he concluded in his video.
"Glory to the Brave People! This is until the end!" Vázquez posted on his Facebook account, joining the voices of dozens of people in various cities around the world who have mobilized this Saturday in support of Venezuela.
Vázquez's demonstration occurs amid increasing international pressure on the Maduro regime, following the highly disputed presidential elections on July 28, which have been widely criticized by the international community due to reported irregularities.
International Community's Response
In an extraordinary session held on August 16, the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) approved a resolute measure emphasizing the urgent need to ensure transparency in the Venezuelan electoral process and respect for the popular will. The resolution, presented by the United States and other co-sponsoring countries, demands that the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) immediately publish the voting records and reaffirms the sovereignty of the people.
Vázquez is a Cuban doctor who has consistently raised his voice for the freedom of political prisoners in Cuba. Last year, he marched from John Lennon Park to the headquarters of the Ministry of the Interior's (MININT) Directorate of Penitentiary Establishments, located at 15 and K, to demand the release of the July 11 prisoners on the island.
Key Questions and Answers About Fernando Vázquez's Demonstration
Here are some commonly asked questions about the recent demonstration by Cuban activist Fernando Vázquez and its broader context.
Who is Fernando Vázquez?
Fernando Vázquez is a Cuban doctor and activist known for his advocacy for political prisoners and his solidarity with the Venezuelan people.
What did Fernando Vázquez do in Havana?
He held a demonstration in front of the Simón Bolívar statue on Avenida de los Presidentes to show support for the Venezuelan people's demands for freedom and the ouster of Nicolás Maduro.
Why is the international community pressuring Nicolás Maduro's regime?
The international community is pressuring Maduro's regime due to the disputed presidential elections on July 28, which were widely criticized for irregularities.
What actions has the OAS taken regarding the Venezuelan elections?
The OAS approved a resolution demanding transparency in the Venezuelan electoral process and the immediate publication of voting records by the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE).