Protests in Venezuela demanding release of Maduro, his wife

Thousands of people in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, have taken part in a protest march demanding the release of President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Celia Flores, one month after their reported abduction by the United States.

The protest was held as part of a globally declared action programme denouncing the alleged abduction of the Maduro couple, according to the Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera.

During the protest, participants carried banners with slogans such as "Bring them back" and "No to intervention in Venezuela." People from various classes and professions, including government employees and students, joined the march. The protest procession, led by music trucks, stretched for several hundred meters.

While addressing the gathering, Maduro's son, Nicolas Maduro Guerra, said a foreign force has defiled the soil of our motherland. The memory of the January 3 operation will remain forever etched in our hearts as a wound.

Jose Perdomo, a municipal employee who joined the protest, said they are confused, saddened, and angry, with many emotions at play. He asserted that they must free our president one day.

Local media reported that this protest was part of a global solidarity programme, with similar protest events held in various countries worldwide. A section of the international community has condemned this alleged abduction as a violation of international law and a threat to Venezuela's sovereignty.

Meanwhile, Interim President Delcy Rodriguez is trying to balance pressure from Maduro supporters on one side and demands from the United States on the other. As part of this, she has released hundreds of political prisoners and opened Venezuela's hydrocarbon sector to private investment. Although a promise of a general amnesty law has been made, it has not yet been tabled in parliament.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has indicated he is willing to work with Delcy Rodriguez if Caracas' position aligns with Washington's interests. Special mention has been made of US interest in Venezuela's vast oil resources.