A demonstration in support of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro was held Monday evening outside the Venezuelan Embassy in Belgrade, drawing activists and political figures who called for his release from U.S. custody. The event was organized by the League of Communist Youth of Yugoslavia (SKOJ).
The rally took place against the backdrop of ongoing international controversy after Maduro was captured by U.S. forces in Caracas on May 3 and taken to New York to face drug trafficking charges.
Aleksandar Banjanac, General Secretary of the New Communist Party of Yugoslavia (NKPJ), said the protest, titled “Hands Off Venezuela, Free President Maduro Immediately,” aimed primarily to demand the release of Maduro and his wife and to condemn what organizers described as a “brazen act of U.S. terrorism” that violates international law.
Participants were welcomed at the embassy by Venezuelan Ambassador Hajdis Brisenjo, who thanked them and invited them to sign a book of condolences. The Cuban ambassador to Serbia also attended the event.
In her remarks, Ambassador Brisenjo said Venezuela was aware of external threats but “was not afraid,” outlining three main goals: preserving peace in the country, securing the return of Maduro and the first lady, and protecting the Bolivarian Republic.
Speakers from NKPJ and SKOJ stressed that resistance to events in Caracas should be heard worldwide, including in Serbia, and urged the Serbian government to condemn U.S. actions not only as violations of international law but as “terrorist acts.”
Among those who voiced support was Goran Puzić from the Socialist Movement, citing his party’s endorsement, including that of founder Aleksandar Vulin.
The crowd displayed flags of Venezuela, China, Palestine, Russia, North Korea, and a Serbian flag with a five-pointed star, chanting slogans such as “Viva Maduro! Viva Venezuela!” to show solidarity with the Venezuelan leader.
