Residents divided at rally in Waterloo following Venezuelan president’s capture

Shouts of “the people, united, will never be defeated” were heard at a rally in Uptown Waterloo Monday evening.

But “united” may not be the word best suited to describe the differing viewpoints heard at the rally aimed at condemning the United States’ abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in a military raid over the weekend.

There has been simultaneous celebration and global outcry over the man widely considered to be an authoritarian ruler.

As Maduro is investigated by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity, concerns are being voiced in Waterloo Region over how the president and his wife were captured on charges of narcoterrorism.

In the days since the U.S. launched air strikes on Venezuela, the United Nations has called the operation a blatant violation of international law, a sentiment echoed by many at Monday’s rally in Waterloo.

“I’m here today because I think that what happened this weekend in Venezuela is a very dangerous precedent because the United States has taken internation law into its own hand,” said Nicholas Lopez, who attended the rally.

Lopez is originally from Venezuela, but he recognizes that other Venezuelans living in Waterloo Region may not agree with him, including one woman from Caracas.

“I wasn’t happy that it was Trump who did it, but at least somebody had the guts to do it and the power,” Fanny Villarte-Croce said.

But it’s that so-called power that some at the rally say isn’t being used wisely.

“It’s like a horror film,” said Eduardo Queiruga, who attended the rally. “I mean, this is ridiculous. There are ways of dealing with Maduro internally. It’s up to the Venezuelans, not up to the Americans.”

Industry experts have warned that if the U.S. is to gain control of the world’s largest oil reserve in Venezuela, it would have a global ripple effect, including in Canada.

Although, it seemed many at the rally were more concerned of a similar takeover of power in this country.

“He’s just threated Canada with what? We’re going to be the 51st state? Of course, it’s very relevant,” Queiruga said.

Lopez suggested that it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Trump to come into Canada and try to run it.

“Who is going to stop him?” Lopez said.

Meanwhile, others say a change of power in Venezuela may allow for safer living conditions following years of alleged rigged elections, food shortages and rights abuses.

“My family is there and they are so happy to have Maduro out,” Villarte-Croce said. “He’s a dictator. This was our only hope and it happened.”

While there are calls for a united front, Venezuelans near and for may at least be united on one thing – Maduro’s capture has sparked both hope and fear.