US Edition‘We are not free yet’: Venezuelan exiles react a week after Maduro’s capture
Venezuelan diaspora in multiple countries celebrate Maduro’s removal by US forces while fearing ongoing repression and a difficult political transition, experts say.
- On January 3, 2026, US forces captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flew him out of Venezuela, with exiles saying photos of Maduro on a plane looked `like a Hollywood movie`.
- Faced with years of repression, Venezuelan protesters and opposition describe pervasive corruption, drug trafficking and shortages under Maduro, with many saying intervention became the only option after stalled international justice.
- Celebrations erupted across the diaspora with people dancing, crying and opening sangria in cities like Lyon and Bogota, but the initial joy was soon tempered by anxiety and uncertainty.
- Inside Venezuela, new laws criminalising content about Maduro’s capture have constrained expression, and only a few political prisoners released through habeas corpus leave many fearful, Edgarlys Castaneda said.
- With a long transition ahead, Juan Jose Cardenas Lopez said Venezuela needs support from Europe, while Maria in the United Kingdom might return to help rebuild despite US interests.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Venezuelan-American reflects on Maduro’s capture and Venezuela’s turbulent history
The recent capture of Venezuelas President Nicols Maduro has drawn global attention, sparking celebrations in some quarters and outrage in others as international debate swirls over its legality and impact.In Youngsville, Venezuelan-American Daniel Lugo, who immigrated to the United States as a child, said discussions about Venezuelas history have become more urgent since the dramatic turn of events.I moved here when I was nine years old, so I w…
Maria Mercedes Larez and Orlando Martinez are from Anzoategui, Venezuela. The couple fled their home country in 2023 because of living conditions and the political situation. If they rejoice at the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States, they remain worried about instability.
Seven days after the American operation that led to the fall of the former dictator, a review of the most important events
Chavismo has called its supporters to a "great national march" when the week of the capture of Nicolás Maduro is over.
‘We are not free yet’: Venezuelan exiles react a week after Maduro’s capture
Across Europe, the United States and Latin America, Venezuelan exiles contacted by FRANCE 24 expressed a mix of relief, joy and deep uncertainty. While most welcomed Nicolas Maduro’s removal, few believe it marks the end of Venezuela’s crisis.
Indictees of drug trafficking, Nicolas Maduro and the first lady, Celia Flores, who were declared innocent on the second day before the U.S. justice in New York, were arrested in the United States. Following the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, former vice president Delcy Rodriguez was appointed internal president. Among the first changes since his entry into power was the appointment on the third day of an ex-director of the Venezuelan central bank as…
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