Venezuelan Protesters Rally in Miami for Freedom and Democracy

Miami, FL – On a vibrant Saturday afternoon in Downtown Miami, the spirit of Venezuela filled Bayfront Park’s amphitheater as protesters, predominantly dressed in white, rallied together in a powerful demonstration of solidarity. The event was marked by passionate chants of “Freedom! Freedom! Freedom!” and the singing of “Glory to the Brave People” (Gloria al Bravo Pueblo), Venezuela’s national anthem. The gathering was a poignant expression of hope and defiance against the continued rule of Nicolás Maduro.

A Community United

Juan Gonzalez, originally from Caracas and now residing in Boynton Beach, attended the protest wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the message “I am from Venezuela, not from Minnesota.” Gonzalez captured the sentiment of many attendees, expressing a sense of powerlessness faced by those unable to vote or protest directly against Maduro’s regime in Venezuela. 

Among the crowd were protesters adorned in Venezuelan National Team’s Vinotinto soccer jerseys and wearing blue and burgundy baseball hats, some carrying U.S. flags. Families, including children in strollers and pets, joined the demonstration, underscoring the wide-ranging support for Venezuela’s opposition movement.

Voices of Solidarity

The protest featured speeches expressing solidarity with the opposition confronting Maduro and his ruling party following the contested July 28 presidential election. Protesters had hoped for an end to over two decades of socialist control. 

Ronald Rivers, a Venezuelan American who moved to Venezuela over four decades ago, reflected on the nation’s dramatic decline from prosperity to its current economic crisis. Rivers, who maintains close ties with family still living in Venezuela, attributed much of the country’s struggles to Cuba’s influence and praised the opposition for their resilience. “What María Corina [Machado] did was excellent. She got them where it hurts — with the truth,” Rivers remarked.

Disputed Election Results

The official election results, recognized by Russia, indicated that 6.4 million votes went to Maduro, while opposition candidate Edmundo González received 5.3 million votes. However, the opposition’s tally, acknowledged by the United States, showed González with 6.89 million votes, marking him as Venezuela’s new president-elect. This discrepancy sparked widespread protests and claims of electoral fraud.

María Corina Machado, leader of the National Command (Comando Nacional de Campaña), played a crucial role in challenging the official results. Her network of volunteers meticulously gathered evidence and published their findings, highlighting discrepancies with the official electoral body’s claims of system hacking by “fascists.”

International Support and Local Leadership

Members of Vente USA, an affiliate of Machado’s opposition party Vente Venezuela, organized the Miami event. The gathering came amid Maduro’s recent declarations labeling the party a “terrorist organization” and Machado as a “terrorist.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo also supported the protest, which involved raising a Venezuelan flag in solidarity with their Venezuelan American constituents. Similar protests took place around the globe, underscoring the unity and resolve of the Venezuelan diaspora, estimated by the United Nations to be 7.7 million strong and growing.

A Message of Courage and Determination

Despite Maduro’s threats, Machado stood defiant, addressing supporters who had taken over a Caracas intersection. In a stirring speech from atop a truck, she declared, “You are the heroes of this story! Every Venezuelan who did not give up!” Her words resonated with many as she departed the scene on a motorcycle, symbolizing her unyielding spirit.

Although Edmundo González was not present at the Miami protest, his message of hope and determination was felt. On social media, he reaffirmed the Venezuelan people’s commitment to democracy, writing: “Venezuelans clearly expressed their will on July 28 with our electoral victory. Today, united Venezuela came out, without fear, in peace, and with family, to demand respect for its decision at the polls. We’ll ensure your decision is respected and begin Venezuela’s re-institution.”