Thousands of supporters of former Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro, who was overthrown in an American covert commando operation on January 3rd and kidnapped along with his wife, protested in the central streets of Caracas, demanding his release and return to the country.
The protest was scheduled to coincide with the 68th anniversary of the fall of the Marcos Peres Himenez dictatorship (1948-1958).
Transitional President Delcy Rodriguez has sought closer ties with Washington, but her government, still part of the previous establishment, is demanding the return of Maduro and First Lady Silia, who remain incarcerated in the US, pending trial for 'crimes against humanity', including drug trafficking and heading a criminal organisation.
'We want them back,' a huge banner wrote, set up near the central O'Leary square in the Venezuelan capital.
'His arrest was illegal and unfair,' 65 year old accountant Marleen Blanco said, adding that the oil belongs to the country and it has to be paid, referring to Donald Trump's ongoing effort to control Venezuela's massive reserves and plans to send in US firms.
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stressed that the greatest triumph for the country will be the return of the Presidential couple.
Current President Rodriguez has 'the full support of the ruling party,' he added during a rally carried live on state television.