Demonstration held in Venezuelan capital, demands release of Maduro by US

CARACAS -- A demonstration was held in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas on Wednesday, calling for the defense of national sovereignty and demanding that the US government release Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife.

Nahum Fernandez, head of the government of Caracas, called for unity to confront the anti-government campaigns promoted by the national and international opposition.

"There is no doubt here, what we must have here is revolutionary unity, what we must have here is the mobilization of a united people," he said.

Participants marched from Ali Primera Park in the west of the capital to Plaza O'Leary in the downtown area.

Angel Prado, Venezuelan minister of communes, social movements and urban agriculture, said: "We want to tell the world that in Venezuela, the power of the people rules. In Venezuela, Maduro rules ... and if Chavismo doesn't rule here, nobody rules here."

Prado expressed his support for the acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, saying that she was carrying out Maduro's instruction "not to let the government fall."

Jorge Arreaza, rector of the National University of Communes, said Venezuelans were ready and organized thanks to the policies implemented by the head of state.

"President Maduro prepared us for this," he said, calling on protesters to have faith in their leaders and to ignore rumors and misinformation.

The acting president faces "a tough dialogue process" amid further threats of military attacks by the United States, he said.

Since the US military operation of kidnapping Maduro and his wife, killing dozens and damaging telecommunications, health, residential infrastructure, Venezuelans have been demonstrating in support of Maduro.