Venezuelan citizens and supporters in more than 150 cities worldwide mobilized this Saturday in a massive global protest to denounce the electoral fraud that occurred on July 28th in Venezuela. In what they called the "Great Worldwide Protest for Truth," demonstrators demanded transparency in the electoral results and reaffirmed that Venezuela had won, in support of opposition candidate Edmundo González.
"Who are we? Venezuela. What do we want? Freedom," echoed through various plazas around the world taken over by Venezuelans on July 17th. In Venezuela, several cities showcased early demonstrations rejecting the electoral fraud. In Caracas, a massive protest led by opposition leader María Corina Machado reiterated that "the people's decision must be respected."
The protests were also significant in other countries, including Spain, Australia, the United States, Colombia, Mexico, and Brazil, where the Venezuelan diaspora raised their voices in defense of democracy and respect for the popular will.
Global Support for Venezuelan Democracy
In Madrid, the Puerta del Sol was filled with demonstrators chanting slogans in support of the Venezuelan people. Similar scenes unfolded in places as far-flung as Sydney, Australia, where the streets were also filled with people on a day many consider historic for the South American nation.
From Milan, Italy, a statement of support for Venezuela was issued, declaring, "Today, from Milan, we unite our voices and hearts with the people of Venezuela. You are not alone! Venezuela, your struggle for freedom and justice is our struggle." Prominent figures like activist Alicia Erazo joined the international call for freedom and justice in Venezuela.
In Amsterdam, the @VenteVenezuela team in the Netherlands participated in a joint demonstration for the freedom of Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, highlighting the connection between democratic movements in Latin America and global solidarity.
In the United States, cities such as Washington D.C., Miami, Los Angeles, and Houston joined the protests, with thousands gathering at iconic locations to demand the truth about the elections where Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner despite the evidence suggesting otherwise.
In Latin America, Colombia and Brazil saw large gatherings. In Bogotá, the protest took place at Parque de Lourdes, while in Rio de Janeiro, demonstrators gathered on Copacabana Beach.
The Venezuelan opposition, led by María Corina Machado, has been clear in its message: "We mobilize in Venezuela and around the world to reaffirm that Venezuela won."
The protests aim not only to denounce the electoral fraud but also to demand transparency in the results and the publication of the voting records.
Protest Locations
Here are some of the cities where protests are taking place:
United States
- Washington DC: Memorial Libertador Simón Bolívar at 6:00 PM
- Miami: Bayfront Park at 4:00 PM
- Chicago: 750 Randall Road, West Dundee at 4:00 PM
- Houston: 25,600 Westheimer Parkway, Katy at 4:00 PM
- Las Vegas: 1,616 Las Vegas Boulevard #120 at 6:00 PM
- Los Angeles: Plaza in front of City Hall at 4:00 PM
- New York: Times Square, 47th Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue, at 5:00 PM
Colombia
- Bogotá: Parque de Lourdes, Carrera 13 with Calle 63, José Celestino Mutis at 11:00 AM
- Medellín: Parque de las Luces at 4:00 PM
- Barranquilla: Plaza de La Paz Juan Pablo II at 10:00 AM
- Bucaramanga: Parque Los Niños at 3:30 PM
- Cali: Boulevard del Río, in front of the Gato statue at 3:00 PM
- Cartagena: Plaza in front of Caja Agraria building, diagonal to Centro Uno Mall at 10:00 AM
Ecuador
- Guayaquil: Explanada Teatro, Centro Cívico at 4:00 PM
- Quito: Parque Bicentenario, after the firefighter station hangar at 3:00 PM
Argentina
- Buenos Aires: Floralis Genérica, Palermo at 4:00 PM
Mexico
- Mexico City: Monument to the Revolution at 11:00 AM
Brazil
- Rio de Janeiro: Copacabana Beach in front of Copacabana Palace Hotel at 4:00 PM
- Manaus: Praça da Saudade at 4:00 PM
- Brasilia: TV Tower at 5:00 PM
- São Paulo: Avenida Paulista, Francisco de Miranda statue next to the cyclist plaza at 3:00 PM
Spain
- Madrid: Puerta del Sol at 8:00 PM
- Barcelona: Arc de Triomf at 8:00 PM
- Gran Canaria: Paseo Las Canteras at 6:00 PM
- Tenerife: Plaza España at 7:00 PM
Common Questions about the Venezuelan Electoral Protests
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the global protests against the Venezuelan electoral fraud, aiming to clarify the key points and motivations behind these demonstrations.
Why are Venezuelans protesting worldwide?
Venezuelans are protesting globally to denounce the electoral fraud that occurred on July 28th and to demand transparency in the election results.
Who is leading the protests in Venezuela?
The protests in Venezuela are being led by opposition leader María Corina Machado.
Which cities in the United States are participating in the protests?
Cities in the United States participating in the protests include Washington D.C., Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Las Vegas, and New York.
What are the main demands of the protesters?
The main demands of the protesters are transparency in the election results and the publication of the voting records to confirm the true outcome of the elections.