The Venezuelan Embassy in St. John’s has initiated a worldwide diplomatic campaign demanding the immediate repatriation of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, whom Venezuelan authorities assert are currently detained in the United States under criminal allegations.
Designated with the hashtag #BringThemBack, this mobilization effort stems from what embassy officials describe as a January 3rd military operation conducted by United States forces that allegedly resulted in the apprehension and subsequent transportation of Venezuela’s leadership to American territory.
The campaign formally commenced during a Thursday evening solidarity gathering at the embassy, drawing participation from international diplomats, religious figures, Venezuelan expatriates, and local activists. Venezuelan Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Carmen Velasquez characterized the alleged incident as among the most devastating events in contemporary Venezuelan history, addressing attendees with emotional appeals for diplomatic resolution.
Ambassador Velasquez provided a firsthand account claiming presence in Caracas during the purported operation, describing being awakened by powerful explosions and observing unlit helicopters alongside drone strikes targeting multiple locations. Her testimony aimed to substantiate the Venezuelan government’s narrative of foreign military intervention.
The assembly featured notable attendees including Cuban Ambassador Sergio Martinez, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Wei, Senator Colin O’Neal, and religious representatives from the Antigua Christian Lay Movement and All Saints Fellowship of Believers. Ambassador Martinez denounced the alleged American actions as violations of Venezuelan sovereignty, while Senator O’Neal criticized the purported removal of a democratically elected leader within Western Hemisphere territory.
The event culminated in a candlelight vigil led by Pastor James Warner, honoring those reportedly deceased during the incident while symbolizing hope for the leaders’ safe return. The embassy has subsequently established a Condolence Book inviting public signatures as gestures of support for the Venezuelan people amid escalating international tensions.