Pretoria Protest Demands Immediate Return of Venezuelan Leader
Hundreds of activists and political leaders gathered outside the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria this week, demanding the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores following their reported detention during a U.S. military operation. The demonstration united trade unions, left-wing parties, and civil society groups under banners condemning "foreign interference" in Venezuela's sovereignty.
South African Government Escalates Diplomatic Response
South Africa's government has formally raised the issue at the United Nations, calling the operation a violation of international law. The South African Communist Party secretary-general Solly Mapaila declared: "We demand unconditional release from these politically motivated charges. This aggression undermines the self-determination of all Global South nations."
Protesters Outline Three Key Demands
Coalition spokesperson Ali Komape presented a unified call to action: immediate release of the Maduros, withdrawal of U.S. forces from Venezuela, and UN Security Council intervention. Muhammed Desai of the South Africa Latin America Association warned: "Crossing this red line threatens stability across developing nations."
South African authorities confirmed all citizens in Venezuela remain safe as diplomatic efforts continue.
