SUNSET PARK, Brooklyn (PIX11) — Tension flared between the NYPD and demonstrators outside the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn as protesters called for the release of ousted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, denouncing the U.S. military raid that led to his capture and detention.
Demonstrators said they’re taking a stand against what they describe as imperialism.
“People in Venezuela are suffering right now, and we stand with them,” said Adrian Guerrero of the organization Behind Enemy Lines. “We want to support them, and we think that the US getting in, doing what they’re doing and just invading and getting to treat the world like its own backyard, we think that’s messed up and we’re standing against it.”
“U.S. intervention only leads to more blood and natural resources being stolen from other countries,” said demonstrator Chris Silver. “That’s why I’m out here.”
The protest comes as the US military seized a fifth oil tanker on Friday in an effort to control Venezuelan oil exports. The seizures coincided with President Trump’s meeting with top oil execs at the White House, discussing the future of the crude reserves in Venezuela.
The Trump administration is looking to generate cash as it seeks to rebuild the country’s oil industry and restore its economy.
“We’re going to be working with Venezuela,” said President Donald Trump. “We’re going to be making the decision as to which oil companies are going to go in, that we’re going to allow to go in. Going to cut a deal with the companies.”
Meanwhile, demonstrators held signs and chanted — condemning what they believe is an act of war against a sovereign nation and a blatant violation of international law. They said the only response is resistance.
Maduro is accused of overseeing a cocaine-trafficking network with international drug cartels and faces several charges, including narco-terrorism and cocaine importation conspiracy. His next court appearance is set for March 17.
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