Venezuelans in Madrid celebrate Maduro’s capture

Venezuelans living in exile in Spain celebrated the capture of authoritarian Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Madrid.

Spanish media estimated their number at several hundred, as they sang songs of joy and prayed the Lord’s Prayer together, as could be seen on television. Many people present in the famous Puerta del Sol square cried with happiness and hugged each other.

However, some Venezuelans expressed concern in interviews with Spanish public broadcaster RTVE because it was completely unclear how things might play out in the South American country.

“Between euphoria and caution,” described one woman.

Many also expressed fear for their loved ones back home.

According to RTVE, almost half a million Venezuelans live in Spain. Most left their countries due to the authoritarian regime in Caracas and the precarious economic and social situation.

On the Canary island of Tenerife, however, a small demonstration by supporters of Maduro and his government took place. They held up a banner with the words “Yankees out of Venezuela and the Caribbean.”