Juan Guaido returns to Venezuela, risking arrest
CARACAS, Venezuela Opposition leader Juan Guaido made a triumphant return to Venezuela on Monday after a 10-day absence, injecting fresh energy into the U.s.-backed campaign to push out authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro.
Guaido arrived shortly after noon to wild cheers from supporters gathered at Caracas’ Maiquetia “Simon Bolivar” International Airport. “Guaido! Guaido” they screamed. “Yes we can!”
“We are here, Venezuela,” the 35-year-old declared, beaming and waving as he was encircled by television cameras. “We are strong. We are moving forward!”
Guaido supporters had feared he might be arrested on arrival. The opposition leader, had defied a court order when he crossed the border Feb. 22 to lead an effort to bring truckloads of humanitarian aid into the country. He has since been traveling across Latin America, conferring with presidents who support his bid to unseat Maduro.
Diplomats from the United States, Europe and Latin America had gathered at the airport Monday to ensure Guaido was not harmed. US Vice President Mike Pence, had publicly warned Maduro against detaining the opposition leader. Maduro had said that Guaido would “face justice” if he returned, and Venezuelans were uncertain until virtually the last minute about when and where he would arrive. Security was heavier than usual at the airport when Guaido’s plane landed, reportedly after a flight from Panama. But the opposition leader cleared immigration and went on to lead a packed rally in a plaza in southeastern Caracas, with no interference from police. Guaido had called for antigovernment demonstrations on Monday morning, and thousands of people poured into the streets in cities around the country. Similar rallies had frequently filled the streets since Guaido declared himself Venezuela’s interim president Jan. 23, citing fraud in Maduro’s re-election victory last year. But many people feared that the demonstrations would peter out unless the popular young leader returned.
Thousands of Guaido’s supporters jammed a Caracas plaza and surrounding streets in the Las Mercedes neighborhood Monday.
In his speech, Guaido urged Venezuelans not to lose hope as they seek a transition that has been more difficult than the opposition had anticipated.