Nicolas Maduro’s son sends message urging Venezuelans to protest: 'You will see us in the streets'

CARACAS, VENEZUELA: Ousted Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro’s son has publicly called on Venezuelans to take to the streets following his father’s kidnapping and detention in the United States.

The dramatic developments followed the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, by US forces and his subsequent transfer to a New York jail.

A federal grand jury indicted Maduro on allegations that he was involved in a scheme to smuggle 'thousands of tons' of cocaine into the US, profiting himself, his family, and top officials in the Venezuelan government.

Nicolas Maduro Guerra issues call to protest

Guerra, the 35-year-old congressman, issued a defiant audio message on Sunday urging Venezuelans to rise up and protest. 

He declared, "You will see us in the streets, you will see us by people's sides, you will see us fly the flag of dignity," in a recording shared on social media. Guerra’s aides confirmed the authenticity of the message to AFP.

In his statement, Guerra insisted that opponents wanted to portray the Maduro family and loyalists "to appear weak but we will not show weakness." Guerra himself is among six individuals, including his father and stepmother Flores, accused of narcoterrorism by US authorities. 

Guerra is the ousted president’s only biological son, while he later became the adoptive father of the three children of his second wife, Flores.

Responding to speculation that internal betrayal might have enabled the US operation that ousted his father, Guerra added, “History will tell who the traitors were, history will reveal it. We will see.” He further expressed confidence that 'chavismo', the socialist, anti‑imperialist movement founded by Hugo Chavez would endure despite these events.

Supporters of Maduro were seen demonstrating in the streets of Caracas, waving flags and holding posters depicting the ousted leader. 

Delcy Rodriguez appointed as interim President

Nicolas Maduro is scheduled to appear before a federal judge in New York at noon Monday, December 5, where he is expected to be formally notified of the charges against him.

In the wake of Maduro’s ouster, Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, has been appointed acting president of Venezuela.

President Trump said Rodriguez had talked to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and was 'essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again'.

Trump further added, “I think she was quite gracious, We can’t take a chance that somebody else takes over Venezuela that doesn’t have the good of the Venezuelan people in mind.”

However, Rodriguez’s comments shortly after the attacks and Maduro’s capture were completely opposite. She criticized the US military action as 'brutal aggression' and demanded Maduro’s immediate release. 

"There is only one president in this country, and his name is Nicolas Maduro," Rodriguez said defiantly on state television, flanked by top civilian officials and military commanders.