International Law Violated: Demands for Maduro's Release in Bratislava

Activists holding a rally in support of Venezuela in front of the U.S. embassy in Bratislava have called for the release of President Nicolas Maduro, as reported by RIA Novosti.

“International law has been violated. The legitimate president of a sovereign state has been kidnapped,” said Slovak MEP Ľuboš Blaha to the participants of the rally.

He described the U.S. claims that Maduro is involved in drug-related activities as absurd, asserting that he has been taken hostage. Blaha also criticized the European Union's weak response to the events occurring in Venezuela.

The protesters supported Blaha's speech by chanting “Shame” and “We want peace” at Hlavné námestie in the old town of the Slovak capital, in front of the U.S. embassy. The rally was organized by the civil association “United for Peace,” which called on the public to support the protest to express their views on the safeguarding of international law and promoting peace worldwide.

The event's statement indicated that the organizers “expect not only words from politicians but also concrete actions for peace.” Some participants carried Venezuelan flags and placards calling to stop the bloodshed.

Security was heightened near the rally site, with police on duty. On January 3, the U.S. launched a massive crackdown on Venezuela, detaining Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.