New York, NY—On September 9, a motion was filed for Venezuela’s First Lady Cilia Flores, petitioning for her release from the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC), and for her to be instead placed under house arrest in New York City, due to the severity of her heart condition.

After she and President Nicolás Maduro were illegally kidnapped by the U.S. in January of this year, her health has rapidly deteriorated throughout her imprisonment.

First Lady Flores is the 69-year-old wife of Venezuelan President Maduro and a sitting deputy of the Venezuelan National Assembly. She was lead attorney for Hugo Chávez’s defense, securing his release from prison in 1994, and emerged throughout the 1990s and 2000s as a key figure in the victory of the Bolivarian Revolution. She was the first woman to serve as president of the National Assembly, from 2006 to 2011, before becoming attorney general of Venezuela from 2012 to 2013. In 2017, she was once again elected to the National Assembly. Throughout her career, she has remained a staunch defender of human rights and the achievements of the Bolivarian Revolution.

According to court documents, she was in good health before the illegal U.S. invasion of Venezuela, in which the U.S. abducted her and Maduro from their home in Caracas and killed over 100 people. Now, after eight months imprisoned at the MDC, she suffers recurring chest pains, has lost two molars, has lost more than 25 pounds, and likely suffered a minor heart attack on July 29.

The MDC is notorious for horrific conditions. Detainees go weeks without seeing the sky or breathing fresh air. Power and water cut out, sometimes for up to a week at a time. And there is a well-documented pattern of medical neglect. In one case, cited by Federal Judge Jesse Furman in a January 2024 decision on conditions at the MDC, the jail refused to transport an inmate for surgery to repair his broken cheekbone; when he finally received surgery, his cheek had to be rebroken. In another case in 2024, a man named Terrence Wise died in custody after months of medical neglect let his lung cancer proliferate unchecked. This context makes Flores’s fragile health all the more alarming.

In the last eight months while imprisoned, Flores has experienced palpitations, elevated heart-rate, chest tightness, chest pain and fatigue. On July 29, her lawyers believe she had a minor heart attack when she reported intense pressure on her chest and a shortness of breath. She is able to sleep only three or four hours a night and suffers asthma attacks when the MDC guards use pepper spray against other prisoners.

The MDC medical staff has recommended that she undergo cardiac surgery. But under the conditions at the MDC, recovery from such a surgery is unthinkable.

The medical neglect Flores faces is not accidental. Rather, it must be understood as part of the U.S. government’s strategy to punish Maduro, Flores and Venezuela for withstanding U.S. imperialism.

The U.S. government’s total disregard for Flores’ health has been apparent since it first abducted her. At her first hearing on January 5, it was reported that Flores appeared with wounds on her forehead – the new motion reveals further detail. The U.S. government was almost certainly aware that, at the time of the invasion and abduction on January 3, Flores was still in recovery from a recent total hysterectomy and had been ordered by her doctors to limit movement for three months. Despite this, when the U.S. military invaded her home, she was thrown against a wall or a dresser, causing the injuries to her forehead, which required some 20 stitches and left her with permanent scarring.

This violence, like the medical neglect she now faces, is violence against a woman who has dedicated her life to fighting for her people and standing against imperialism and intervention. It should be met with outrage from all progressive and imperialist forces. It is not enough for Flores to be merely released under house arrest; the charges against her must be dismissed, and she must be freed once and for all.

Across the country, member organizations of the Anti-War Action Network are mobilizing on October 3 to say no to U.S. intervention in Venezuela and to free Maduro and free Flores! Visit www.antiwaractionnetwork.org/ to find an organization near you and get involved.

#NewYorkNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #International #Venezuela #CiliaFlores #Maduro #AWAN

New York, NY – 50 activists gathered outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, on Thursday, September 3, to protest the ongoing detention of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. Attendees represented a broad coalition of New York organizations fighting against U.S. Intervention in Venezuela, including Brooklyn Against War, Workers World Party, Black Alliance for Peace, Venceremos Brigade, and the Venezuela Solidarity Network.

Attendees held signs demanding freedom for the kidnapped Venezuelan president and first lady and joined in chants like “Free the prisoners, free them all! Free Maduro from these walls!” and “We will say it every time! U.S. sanctions are a crime!”

The protest occurred the day after motions were filed to dismiss the charges against Maduro and Flores. In the motions, the lawyers for Maduro and Flores maintain their innocence of the charges against them and further argue that the couple are immune from prosecution since they are the president and first lady of Venezuela. At the rally, speakers from multiple organizations pointed out that should the charges not be dismissed, this opens the door for the U.S. to pursue similar strategies of illegal imprisonment and prosecution against the leaders of other sovereign nations.

Speaking on behalf of Brooklyn Against War, Briony Smith said, “We know that this prosecution is baseless. We know it’s fabricated. And we know it’s illegal. But we also know that we are up against an administration rank with dangerous absurdity and hypocrisy. So, we’re going to keep fighting, and we’re going to be loud enough that the people of Venezuela can hear us, so that they know that we have not forgotten them, that we have not turned our backs on them, and that we will keep fighting until President Maduro and First Lady Flores are free!”

Protesters will return to the MDC on October 3, at 2 p.m. as part of the Anti-War Action Network’s National Day of Action against U.S. Intervention in Venezuela. The activists also vowed to rally outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan in support of Maduro and Flores on November 17, when the court will hear oral arguments to dismiss the charges.

#NewYorkNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #CiliaFlores

Jacksonville, FL – On September 3, over 20 supporters from around Jacksonville, Florida attended a pro-Venezuela film screening hosted by the Jacksonville Palestine Solidarity Network (JPSN). Attendees watched The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. The documentary is a firsthand account of the failed 2002 CIA coup attempt against elected Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. It was produced by Irish filmmakers Kim Bartley and Donnacha Ó Briain.

After the film, JPSN’s Hands Off Latin America work team chair and recently released political prisoner Conor Cauley led a film discussion and comparison of the 2002 coup to the current situation in Venezuela. One common theme in that discussion was that corporate media continues to be a favorite weapon of Wall Street and the U.S. government.

In 2002, much of the failed coup attempt was done in direct collaboration with the reactionary news outlets inside of Venezuela. They employed false claims of Chavez supporters shooting at protestors. Some of the privately owned news outlets directly collaborated with CIA-aligned traitors inside the Venezuelan military to organize and execute the coup strategy.

Today, some of those same channels, which represent the wealthy right-wing political minority in Venezuela, work with the U.S. to sell the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro and Celia Flores to the American people. In tandem, we see U.S. corporate media excluding from their coverage massive pro-Maduro demonstrations in Venezuela. They also give little attention to the growing number of people here in the U.S. who insist President Maduro and First Lady Flores be released. There is little coverage of American opposition calling for Trump to end his so-called “Donroe Doctrine” attacks on Venezuela, or to lift the U.S. sanctions, or to return control of Venezuelan oil.

After the discussion, participants worked together to write letters to Florida Senators Rick Scott and Ashley Moody. The group is writing to reinforce demands being circulated by the Anti-War Action Network (AWAN) to end all U.S. sanctions on Venezuela, unfreeze all Venezuelan assets, and free Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and First Lady Flores.

“Some people might be wondering why we organized this event for Venezuela if we’re a Palestine organization,” said AWAN steering committee member Ryan Delaney, as they recruited attendees at JPSN’s outreach table.

Delaney answered the question, “But JPSN’s analysis is that we aren’t free until everyone is free. That means if we want to fight for Palestine, especially from here in the U.S., that’s a fight against the whole U.S. war machine that makes genocide and Zionist occupation possible. If we want to fight for Palestine, we need to fight for Cuba, Venezuela, Iran, Lebanon, Yemen; we have to fight for everyone else that’s been bound up in the fight against U.S. wars and interventions. So, when a longstanding ally to the Palestinian cause like President Nicolas Maduro gets kidnapped by the U.S., after winning an election where the main opposition party was openly campaigning on Zionism, we as a Palestine solidarity organization need to respond.”

#JacksonvilleFL #FL #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #JPSN #AWAN #Maduro

Brooklyn, NY – On August 3, at 5:30 p.m., anti-war activists gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center, demanding freedom for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. This rally was part of a picket that takes place on the third day of every month, marking the anniversary of January 3 , when the United States bombed Venezuela and abducted the two political leaders.

The organizations in attendance, including Black Alliance for Peace NYC/NJ,Brooklyn Against War, Code Pink, and Workers World Party, have been on the front lines of the struggle to free Maduro and Flores for seven months.

Chants of “Free the prisoners, free them all! Free Maduro from these walls!” and “¡Cilia aguanta, el pueblo se levanta!” rang through the isolated area surrounding the prison.

Briony Smith, a member of Brooklyn Against War and the Anti War Action Network Steering Committee, stated, “Seven months since Maduro and Cilia were illegally kidnapped from Venezuela — say shame! Seven months that they’ve been imprisoned in the United States, right here in the MDC, awaiting a bogus trial of fabricated charges. Shame!”

Smith continued, “And one more time, you all have been out here every single month. You’ve been here through the freezing cold, through brutal heatwaves, in apocalyptic smoke. We have been outside the court in January, in March, and July despite the racist, reactionary gusanos who pretend to speak for the Venezuelan people.”

The rally ended with a short march around the federal prison buildings. Protesters are determined to continue the picket, which will take place again on September 3, and are prepared to mobilize for future court dates.

#BrooklynNY #NY #NYC #Maduro #CiliaFlores #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela

New York City , NY – Early on the morning of Wednesday, July 22, dozens of anti-war activists and community members gathered facing the courthouse in downtown Manhattan for the federal hearing of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

This was the third hearing after the abduction of Maduro and Flores from their home in Caracas on January 3. The Trump administration carried out a bombing campaign that killed around 80 people in their pursuit of the president and first lady. They were brought to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where they are awaiting a sham trial.

The protest outside was organized by several organizations, many who have been on the frontlines of the struggle to free Maduro and Flores since January 3. The forces were Brooklyn Against War, Black Alliance for Peace, Workers World Party, Bronx Anti War, and Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The rally began with chants such as, “We want justice, you say how? Free Maduro, free him now!” and “Donald Trump, you’re a liar! No more wars for empire!”

“President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were kidnapped by Trump and the U.S. government after an illegal military invasion. They have committed no crime. We are here in NYC to oppose their kidnapping, detention and trial! They should be set free!” said Tom Burke, a longtime anti-war activist and organizational secretary for the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

The chants and rallies continued, despite the small opposition forces trying to feebly out-chant the protest.

As the protest in New York was happening, there were concurrent protests all over Venezuela in support of their president and first lady.

The last speech was made by Briony Smith, a member of Brooklyn Against War and a steering committee member of the Anti-war Action Network, “It is not the will of the American people to invade foreign nations and capture their leaders, because it is not the American people who grow rich off their exploitation. Every day, more and more people in this country are realizing that we have more in common with the people of the Philippines, Palestine or Venezuela than we do with Congress, the White House, or Wall Street.”

Smith continued, “American imperialism is crumbling, while our movement is growing. President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have done nothing wrong, and they will walk free! The sanctions on Venezuela will be lifted! The people will be victorious!”

The rally finished with a march and protesters are ready to gather for future hearings. The next seems to be set for November 17. The trial is officially set for June 2027, and activists are ready to hit the ground running to build the campaign to free Maduro and Flores.

#NewYorkCityNY #NY #NYC #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #CiliaFlores #Feature

NYC, NY—On July 22 at 8 a.m., protesters will rally to demand, “Free President Maduro and First Lady Flores!” outside the federal courthouse in Manhattan, New York.

A growing coalition of groups and individuals, both in NYC and nationally, support freedom for the pair. Coalition members include Brooklyn Against War, the Anti-War Action Network, Workers World Party, International Action Center, Palaver Collective, Black Alliance for Peace, and the International League of People’s Struggle.

“President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores have done nothing wrong. They have committed no crime. Their kidnapping, detention, and trial by Trump and the U.S. government is the only crime here,” said Tom Burke, a longtime anti-war activist and organizational secretary for the Freedom Road Socialist Organization.

Burke continued, “The whole world sees Trump and Wall Street attempting to dominate Venezuela’s oil, minerals and economy. It is armed robbery.”

“While other countries send Venezuela earthquake aid, Trump and the U.S. government are imposing U.S. military forces and enforcing U.S. economic sanctions,” Burke said.

Dozens of anti-war and international solidarity protesters will gather at Baxter Street and Worth Street in Manhattan to let the U.S. Department of Justice know they demand the cancellation of the prosecution against President Maduro and Cilia Flores. Their flyer reads, “Free Maduro! Free Flores! Hands off Venezuela! No war with Cuba!”

#NYCNY #NY #International #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #Cuba #BAW #AWAN #Feature

Brooklyn, NY – On the early evening of April 3, a dozen people gathered outside of the Metropolitan Detention Center to observe Good Friday. The vigil was called by Black Alliance for Peace on what is also the three-month anniversary of President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores’ kidnapping.

On January 3, the Trump administration launched an attack on Caracas, Venezuela to kidnap the two government officials. In the process, they murdered over 100 people. Some of the people murdered couldn’t even be identified because all that was left of them was a melted body.

The protesters took turns giving speeches, saying the names of the deceased, and lighting candles to honor those who had been martyred.

The speakers expertly connected the religious overtone of the day to martyrs in Venezuela and Cuba. They brought up the ongoing war for oil, the blockade in Cuba, and how U.S. imperialism is teetering on the edge of self-destruction.

The protesters are part of a loose coalition of solidarity for Venezuela who will continue to show up on the 3rd of every month until President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are free!

#NewYorkNY #NY #Venezuela #Maduro #CiliaFlores #Cuba #AntiWarMovement #PeoplesStruggles

New York, NY – On March 26, around 100 people gathered at 8 a.m. across the street from the Southern District of New York courthouse in solidarity with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

Government officials and the defense appeared before a judge to determine whether or not the two could use their own lawyers. The defense argued that the kidnapped couple have a right to due process, and that the entire trial is unconstitutional, violating the 6th Amendment.

The action was organized by a coalition of anti-war organizations in New York City that have been organizing around the Maduro and Flores case since January 3.

Michela Martinazzi of Brooklyn Against War led the protest. Martinazzi told the crowd, “We do not want our tax dollars to go to war, plunder and genocide. We do not want our tax dollars to go to illegal kidnappings of foreign government officials. The Venezuelan people have a right to decide their own future and destinies. It is not up to the United States. We demand that all charges are dropped and that President Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores are returned safely to Venezuela.”

The crowd in the plaza chanted, “From Venezuela to Iran, no more sanctions, no more bombs!” and “Free the prisoners, free them all! Free Maduro from these walls!”

The opposition and anti-Maduro forces showed up as well. They brought with them an effigy of Maduro and hung it from a tree – a disgusting show of cruelty and racism. Many of the opposition resorted to name-calling and slurs as they attacked the pro-Maduro forces. There were a few instances where the opposition tried to enter the protest and disrupt, but the pro-Maduro forces were organized and prepared. They easily pushed out the counter-protesters.

Tom Burke, the organizational secretary of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization, said, “Trump’s trial of President Maduro is a political trial meant to portray the upstanding and righteous leader of Venezuela as something else. Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are being punished for standing up to the U.S. empire interfering in their country. The whole world sees Trump and Wall Street attempting to dominate Venezuela’s oil, minerals and economy.”

The protest ended with a march out of the area to end on a high note. While the hearing didn’t determine whether or not Maduro and Flores can use their own funds for their defense, the protesters were resolute in their determination to keep fighting to get the charges dropped.

New York City protesters will be at the Metropolitan Detention Center on April 3 for the three-month anniversary of the kidnapping of President Maduro and First Lady Flores.

#NewYorkNY #NY #International #AntiWarMovement #Vemezuela #Maduro #AWAN #FRSO #BAW #Feature

Washington, D.C. – On Sunday, March 22, activists from around the DMV [DC, Maryland and Virginia area] embraced the unseasonable 85-degree F spring heat and gathered in front of the State Department with signs that read “No U.S. war on Venezuela” and “Freedom for Maduro now.”

“In five days, the U.S. intends to put Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on trial in a kangaroo court,” said a member of the Anti-War Committee DMV, “Trump thinks he can get away with kidnapping foreign presidents just to get his way, we’re here to show him we won’t let that happen!”

While the group initially gathered in front of the State Department, a quick decision was made to march down to the White House, to meet the large crowds of people that were there on a hot and sunny Sunday. The gathered their things and sprang into action. Chants of “We want peace, you say how! Freedom for Maduro now!” and “From Venezuela to the Philippines! Stop the U.S war machine!” boomed from the speaker system as the group made their way onto Constitution Avenue.

As they passed by the parks, DC residents who were there began to join in, whether chanting along or moving to the rhythm. This prompted calls of “Let’s tell them what the people need! Out of the park, into the streets!” from the marchers, at which point some observers even began to get up and join the march.

When they arrived at the White House, the group stationed themselves directly in front of Lafayette Park. This caught the attention of several National Guard troops nearby; the crowd turned their attention to them with chants of “Troops go home!” which several passersby responded to by joining in with fervor.

DC Against the Trump Agenda leader Merawi Gerima told the crowd, “I grew up here in DC, as a native Washingtonian, and we know firsthand what it feels like to be occupied with these National Guard troops,” said Gerima, “that’s why we fight for an end to occupation of Venezuela, a free Maduro; we also fight for an end to occupation of Iran, an end to sanctions on Cuba, and an end to U.S. occupation everywhere.”

The action was a joint effort of AWC-DMV, Anakbayan DC, International League of Peoples Struggles (ILPS), Freedom Road Socialist Organization DC (FRSO DC), DCATA, and the DC Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression (DCAARPR).

The DCAARPR representative stated, “The greatest weapon in the hands of the people is our unity and unity is the greatest fear of our enemies! When we fight together, we win together!”

#WashigtonDC #DC #Venezuela #Maduro #International #AntiWarMovement #DCAARPR #DCATA

Brooklyn, NY — On the rainy and blustery evening, March 3, around 50 people gathered in front of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

The protesters hailed from various antiwar organizations, such as Brooklyn Against War, Workers World Party, Freedom Road Socialist Organization, the Venezuela Solidarity Network, Black Alliance for Peace, and Bronx Antiwar.

March 3 marks the second month since President Maduro and First Lady Flores were kidnapped by the U.S. government. They are currently awaiting trial based on sham charges at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

The action was part of a day of action called by the UNAC, and the Antiwar Action Network.

Despite the frigid temperatures and rain, the protesters were passionate in their chants and speeches. Chants included “We want justice, you say how? Free Maduro right now! Free Cilia right now!”

Michela Martinazzi, a member of Brooklyn Against War, opened the action by saying, “We’re here because the U.S. government feels like they have a right to kidnap a democratically-elected president of a sovereign nation. This is wrong! This entire case is wrong!”

Sara Flounders of the Workers World Party spoke of the importance of showing solidarity with the people of Venezuela, stating, “We are joining thousands of people around the world. We are joining thousands of Venezuelans who want their president back.”

The rally continued with powerful speeches and with a message from Roger Waters, of Pink Floyd, who called into the rally to deliver a message of solidarity.

The action ended with Martinazzi reminding the crowd to continue showing support for President Maduro, Cilia Flores, and Venezuela on March 8 for International Women’s Day, and March 26 for their next court appearance.

#NewYorkNY #NY #NYC #Maduro #Venezuela #AntiWarMovement

Brooklyn, NY — On February 3, dozens of people gathered outside the Metropolitan Detention Center to mark the one-month anniversary since the United States attacked Venezuela and kidnapped President Maduro and First Lady Flores.

The rally was called by the Venezuela Solidarity Network, and several important anti-war organization endorsed and attended, such as Workers World Party, Black Alliance for Peace, Palaver Collective and Brooklyn Against War.

Mumia Abu-Jamal, a current political prisoner, called into the protest via phone to give a speech in solidarity for Maduro and Flores, stating, “An empire attacks a poor, weaker state, and demands the lion’s share of its richest raw material – oil. Why is it not a stick up?”

Members of several organizations gave powerful speeches, urging the crowd to fight for Venezuela, President Maduro and First Lady Flores.

The rally ended with a recorded message by Nicolás Maduro Guerra, President Maduro’s son, who urged the people of the United States to keep fighting and that Venezuelans are fighting with them.

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #International #Venezuela #Maduro #BAW #VSN #WWP #BAP

On Thursday, January 29, 8pm Eastern, 7pm Central, 6pm Mountain, and 5pm Pacific, the Freedom Road Socialist Organization will host a forum: “Free President Maduro! Solidarity with Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution!”

The FRSO speakers are Palestine solidarity activist Jessica Plichta, anti-war leader Jae Franklin, and international solidarity activist and teachers union leader Jim Byrne. FRSO Organizational Secretary Tom Burke will host and moderate.

In December 2025, these FRSO delegates attended the Assembly for Peace in Venezuela, and then the Congress of the Working Class. Comrades defied U.S. war threats and President Trump’s self-declared “no fly zone” to get to Caracas, Venezuela.

The FRSO delegates will relay speeches by President Maduro and acting President Delcy Rodriguez. They will share the lessons and current advances of the Bolivarian Revolution, expressing solidarity with the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) as it confronts U.S. imperialist aggression.

In a recent statement Jessica Plichta explained, “Millions watched my arrest in Michigan that went viral while calling to ‘Free Maduro!’ Now we see that over 73% of the American people oppose another U.S. war. We are showing Trump that our consent cannot be manufactured for another war for oil or for ‘regime change.’ It is Trump who needs to be removed from office!”

You can register for the event at tinyurl.com/frsovz126

#AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #FRSO #Maduro #Feature

Chicago IL – On Saturday January 10, 50 people attended a reportback from Jae Franklin, who traveled to Venezuela for the International People’s Assembly for Sovereignty and Peace of Our Americas in December. This event came a week after Trump’s attack on of the country and kidnapping of democratically-elected President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores.

The masses of Venezuela have taken to the streets demanding the return of the president and “First Combatant” and in defense of the Bolivarian Revolution against U.S. imperialism. Franklin is a co-chair of the Anti-War Committee – Chicago (AWC), which has answered the call of the Venezuelan people by taking to the streets and demanding U.S. hands off Venezuela.

The audience chanted, “Caracas, Aguanta! El pueblo esta levanta! (Caracas, hold on! The people are standing up!)” led by emcee Gio Araujo with Freedom Road Socialist Organization FRSO at the start of the program.

“The people of this country understand that the U.S. is the aggressor,” said an activist with Black Alliance for Peace (BAP) Chicago.

“There are those in Venezuela who want capitalism to return, and they are in the minority. There are those in the Philippines who are nothing but greedy and suck on the people,” said Di Balitaan from Anakbayan USA. Balitaan also demanded the release of Chantal Anicoche, who was abducted by the armed forces of the Philippines on January 1.

The room was filled with people eager to learn about the Bolivarian Revolution and the role that international solidarity plays against U.S. imperialism. Franklin recounted how Simón Bolívar fought Spanish colonialism in the 1800s and abolished slavery after spending time in Haiti while exiled.

While in Venezuela, Franklin visited several communes, which are territories with a political structure that manages the means of production. Venezuela has 4000 such communes

“Communes are a way for people to build power,” Franklin said. The delegation heard a speech from President Maduro at Comuna Amalivaca. He spoke about the process of transformation in Venezuela and the need to combat imperialist lies.

Franklin described their joy at seeing how Maduro’s party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) was composed of young people, queer people and women.

Franklin presented videos of Venezuelan people dancing to revolutionary music during the conference. Their tireless drive for self-determination mirrors the videos and images of the Chavistas in the streets protesting the American imperialist invasion. They also showed pictures of publicly accessible medicine cabinets in the communes, and a billboard celebrating the Palestinian resistance.

“When we say ‘Hands off Venezuela’ we also mean ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘ICE off our streets’ and ‘Justice for Laquan McDonald!’” Franklin declared. “We have to weaken U.S. imperialism every way we can from here within the belly of the beast.”

Franklin encouraged attendees to keep demanding the release of President Maduro and Cilia Flores, and to support AWC’s campaign to divest Illinois from Israel bonds and companies complicit in the genocide in Palestine. Illinois residents can sign the petition to divest at bit.ly/awcdivest.

#ChicagoIL #IL #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #PSUV #ChicagoAWC

Brooklyn, NY – There was a full house in the community room of the Macon Library in the heart of Brooklyn January 17, for a reportback from Venezuela. For their monthly general member’s meeting, the NYC district of Freedom Road Socialist Organization hosted two organizers who visited Venezuela in December 2025.

Ebtesham Ahmed (NYU Students for a Democratic Society and Freedom Road Socialist Organization) and Yasmine Tiana (Palavar Collective) talked about their trip in December as part of a wider delegation. They went over how the Venezuelan people are steadfast in their support of President Maduro and ready to fight U.S. aggression.

This event comes two weeks after the United States government bombed Caracas and kidnapped President Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores. On January 4, U.S. forces brought the president and the first lady to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York. Since then, many New Yorkers have protested near the MDC as they question why foreign leaders are being illegally detained in their backyard.

While Ahmed and Tiana were in Venezuela, the U.S. had begun the early stages of the attacks on oil vessels and fishing boats. Ahmed and Tianna witnessed firsthand how the people of Venezuela reacted.

Ahmed said, “The standing with the Venezuelan people is not solely out of sympathy, but out of necessity. The same enemy the people of Venezuela, U.S. imperialism, is the same enemy we face here.”

The full room gave them a resounding applause when they finished speaking and many committed to fighting to free Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores and return them to their home.

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #SDS #FRSO

Brooklyn, NY – On January 16, activists with Brooklyn Against the War (BAW) participated in a National Day of Action called by the Anti-War Action Network to demand the release of kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicholas Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores. Maduro and Flores were kidnapped by U.S. Special Forces on January 3 in an attack that killed 32 Cuban security personnel and dozens of civilians.

“The United States has no right to enter a foreign country and kidnap their leader,” protested Michela Martinazzi of BAW. She continued, “What is this war for? Democracy? Absolutely not. It’s for oil!”

By participating in the National Day of Action, BAW handed out over 250 flyers, spoke to passersby about the cost of U.S. aggression in Latin America and around the world, and spread the news about Maduro and Flores being held at a detention center in Brooklyn.

President Nicholas Maduro and First Combatant Cilia Flores’ next hearing date is scheduled for March 17 in Manhattan.

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #BAW #AWAN #Maduro

Brooklyn, NY – At a late afternoon press conference, January 6, anti-war and international solidarity activists blasted the U.S. war on Venezuela and blasted the kidnaping of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores. President Maduro and Cilia Flores are currently be held Metropolitan Detention Center.

Sydney Loving of Freedom Road Socialist Organization stated, “This is about the U.S. trying to crush a government that has the courage to put its own people above Washington’s greed.”

Sara Flounders of Worker’s World Party said, “The U.S. will not succeed in Venezuela, just as they failed in Iraq, failed in Afghanistan and failed with sending billions to Israel. Venezuela will hold on to its resources. We will not go back to colonialism.”

Groups organizing the press conference included the Anti-War Action Network (AWAN), International Action Center (IAC), Brooklyn Against War (BAC), International League of People's Struggle (ILPS), Worker’s World Party (WWP), and Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO).

#BrooklynNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #AWAN #IAC #BAC #ILPS #FRSO

Santa Ana, CA – On January 3, a crowd of protesters rallied on the intersection of Bristol and McFadden to protest the United States military air strikes on Venezuela and the kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro. The protest occurred at the historic intersection where just last year a large protest took place against the inauguration of Donald Trump.

“U.S. hands off Venezuela!” and “Free Maduro now!” chanted the protesters while waving signs that read “Stop Trump’s missile attacks” and “No blood for oil.”

Freedom Road Socialist Organization (FRSO) member Rain Mendoza kicked off the protest stating, “ We are out here in the streets today to protest the U.S. military assault on Venezuela and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro! We the FRSO stand firmly in solidarity with Maduro and the proud revolutionary people of Venezuela.” Mendoza continued, “This administration is not even trying to disguise their intentions for this military act of aggression. They are spelling out their true intentions which are regime change and to rob Venezuela’s oil and valuable minerals.”

The crowd called for solidarity with President Maduro as they chanted, “¡Maduro amigo, El pueblo está contigo!” Cars honked their horns in support and pedestrians passing by joined the chanting in support of the protest.

FRSO member David Pulido said “The Venezuelan people are determined to protect the Bolivarian Revolution. They have endured a U.S. campaign of economic sanctions and sabotage for over 25 years. Now they are enduring open war. Today those people are out in the streets refusing to kneel to the U.S. empire.” Pulido ended by saying, “We who live in the United States have a special responsibility to oppose this criminal war! We live in the belly of the imperialist beast. Our government is the one waging this war!”

“Enough of the attacks on Venezuela, the occupation of Latin America, and the genocidal blockade of Cuba!” cried out Cal Saunders of the Democratic Socialists of America. “This comes on the back of months of attacks on innocent Venezuelan fishermen that the Trump regime has baselessly claimed were drug runners. Trump has even called the drugs weapons of mass destruction. These are the same lies the Bush administration used to lie into war with Iraq.

Protesters marched across the intersection yelling the chants, “From Venezuela to the Middle East, we demand justice! We demand peace!” and “Hands off Venezuela now! Turn those missile strikes around!” before closing out. The protest ended with a call to action to oppose the U.S. war on Venezuela.

#SantaAnaCA #CA #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #FRSO

New York, NY – Supporters of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro are gathering at the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Courthouse today, January 5, for his appearance latter today. Syd Loving, a leader of Freedom Road Socialist Organization, stated, “Trump ordered the kidnapping of President Maduro. The attacks on Venezuela need to end and he needs to be released at once.”

#NewYorkNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #Maduro #FRSO

New York, NY — On Saturday, January 3, New Yorkers gathered in Times Square for an emergency protest against the United States’ military aggression against Venezuela.

In the early morning of January 3, the U.S. launched a large-scale attack against Venezuela’s capital, Caracas, and the states of Miranda, Aragua and La Guaira. This attack is the culmination of weeks of escalating aggression from the U.S. military in the area. The Trump administration has also announced that it has captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and has stated its intent to subject Maduro to a criminal trial in New York City.

Less than 12 hours after the attacks, the protest in Times Square drew a crowd of close to 1000 people, despite the bitter cold temperatures. Chants of “Hands off Venezuela!” and “Fund people’s needs, not the war machine!” were heard several blocks away.

Speakers at the rally included members of several anti-war and anti-imperialist organizations, including the ANSWER Coalition, the United National Anti-War Coalition, Palestinian Youth Movement, Nodutdol, and December 12th Movement.

The speeches condemned the U.S. attacks on Venezuela, called out the Trump administration’s lies, and pointed out the true motives for the imperialist assault: a greedy grab for Venezuelan natural resources, especially oil. Many speakers also drew parallels between the current imperialist actions in Venezuela and other struggles around the world, such as in Korea, Palestine, Iran and beyond.

After the speeches, the attendees marched a mile northward to Columbus Circle, taking the streets in a powerful demonstration of the people’s might. Cars and trucks along the route sounded their horns in solidarity. A contingent led by Freedom Road Socialist Organization marched in defiance with chants of “No more innocent blood for oil! U.S. off of foreign soil!” and “Viva, viva Venezuela! Lucha, lucha Venezuela!”

“The U.S. government can’t kidnap a president of a sovereign land and expect us to be quiet,” said Michela Martinazzi, a lead organizer with anti-war community group Brooklyn Against War. “Our tax dollars are funding genocide in Palestine and now the destabilization of Venezuela. President Maduro and his wife have been arrested and will be tried in New York City. It’s our duty to show them that we won’t stand for this. We stand with Venezuela!”

The Manhattan rally and march joined dozens of other protests across the U.S., showcasing that New Yorkers, and Americans as a whole, will not stand for another war for empire. The people stand against the lies of U.S. imperialism, and firmly in solidarity with the Bolivarian Revolution and the people of Venezuela.

#NewYorkNY #NY #AntiWarMovement #Venezuela #BAW #Maduro #Trump

Caracas, Venezuela – Del 9 al 11 de diciembre, miembros de la Organización Socialista Camino de la Libertad (OSCL) participaron en una delegación de solidaridad a Venezuela, junto con miembros de la Red de Acción Anti-Guerra, la Alianza Nacional En Contra De La Represión Racista y Política, el Partido Mundo Obrero y el Centro Harriet Tubman. Estuvieron presentes para asistir a la Asamblea Internacional de los Pueblos por la Soberanía y la Paz, organizada por el Instituto Simón Bolívar para la Paz y la Solidaridad entre los Pueblos.

En el último día de la conferencia, los participantes tuvieron el honor de visitar la Comuna Amilivaca para escuchar al presidente Maduro hablar sobre las victorias del sistema comunal venezolano y la valiente lucha por la paz contra el imperialismo estadounidense.

El presidente Maduro hizo un llamamiento a la “Unidad, unidad, unidad,” para alcanzar la paz. El presidente reconoció específicamente a la OSCL por su solidaridad y unidad con Venezuela.

La OSCL ha apoyado durante mucho tiempo la Revolución Bolivariana en Venezuela y a sus líderes, el expresidente Chávez y el actual presidente Maduro. En el pasado, esta solidaridad se ha manifestado en una campaña exitosa para liberar a Alex Saab, exdiplomático venezolano encarcelado en Miami con cargos falsos.

Más recientemente, la OSCL ha trabajado con aliados de la Red de Acción Anti-Guerra, el Partido Mundo Obrero, la Alianza Negra por la Paz, la Liga Internacional de la Lucha de los Pueblos y otros para realizar una semana de acción para detener la guerra contra Venezuela.

“El presidente Maduro ha enfrentado intensa presión de los imperialistas para que abandone el Proceso Bolivariano, y así como él se mantiene comprometido con el proceso, nosotros seguimos comprometidos a apoyar al presidente, al Partido Socialista Unido de Venezuela y al pueblo” dijo la delegada de OSCL, Casey Serrano.

Los miembros de la delegación afirmaron su admiración por Venezuela y prometieron tomar en serio las palabras del presidente y regresar a sus hogares para construir “Unidad, unidad, unidad” por la paz en Venezuela.

#International #Internacional #Venezuela #AntiWarMovement #MovimientoAntiGuerra #OSCL #AWAN #Maduro #NAARPR