Nicolas Maduro Guerra calls for Venezuelans to protest his father’s ouster and extradition to a New York jail on narcoterrorism charges
CARACAS: The son of ousted Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro has called for supporters to take to the streets following his father’s capture by US forces.
Nicolas Maduro Guerra issued the call in a defiant audio message shared on social media on Sunday.
“You will see us in the streets, you will see us by people’s sides, you will see us fly the flag of dignity,” said the 35-year-old congressman.
His aides confirmed the authenticity of the recording.
“They want us to appear weak but we will not show weakness,” Maduro Guerra added.
He is one of six people, including his father and stepmother Cilia Flores, accused of “narcoterrorism” by US authorities.
The operation to extract Maduro from a hiding place in Caracas has sparked speculation of betrayal from within his inner circle.
“History will tell who the traitors were, history will reveal it. We will see,” his son said, echoing those rumours.
Maduro Guerra expressed confidence that the socialist “chavismo” movement would survive.
Some supporters were seen demonstrating in Caracas streets on Sunday, waving flags and holding posters of the ousted leader.
Maduro and Flores were sitting in a New York jail within hours of being seized by US commandos in a pre-dawn attack on Saturday.
The 63-year-old former president is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York at noon on Monday.
He will be formally notified of the charges against him.
His deputy Delcy Rodriguez has been appointed acting president of Venezuela.
