Winnipeg family from Venezuela reacts to Maduro’s capture

CTV’s Jeff Keele speaks with members of Winnipeg’s Venezuelan community about the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro by the United States over the weekend.

Luiz Antonio Rodrigues Bonito and his daughter Ana are closely watching the dramatic events unfolding in Venezuela.

“We are glad to see Maduro is out,” said Bonito.

On Saturday, the United States announced a military operation had led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. He has since been brought to the U.S. to face charges.

Bonito decided to leave Venezuela for Winnipeg with his daughter a decade ago, alleging there were several attempts by the Maduro government to take his home. He said the last straw was a threat late one night.

“I wake up in my own house, in my own bed, 12 o’clock at night, with a gun in my head,” said Bonito.

He is relieved Maduro is no longer in power.

“I’m happy. I know it’s, let’s say, not the right thing to do, but I’m very thankful for Trump, for the United States,” said Bonito.

However, the U.S. capture of Maduro has prompted mixed reactions in Winnipeg.

Several Winnipeggers held a protest in Osborne Village Sunday, condemning the actions.

“Winnipeggers are demonstrating against the U.S. actions to seize President Maduro – in fact, kidnap him and bring him to the United States,” Glenn Michalchuk, chair of Peace Alliance Winnipeg, told CTV News during the protest Sunday.

Bonito said, despite being overjoyed with the removal of Maduro, his relatives and friends back home in Venezuela are worried about what is now an uncertain future.

“It’s not over yet, we are not free, the people inside Venezuela are not celebrating because they are afraid,” said Bonito.

-With files from CTV’s Harrison Shin