In response to the alleged election fraud by President Nicolás Maduro, anti-government activists in Venezuela have been tearing down statues of the late President Hugo Chávez. The latest incident occurred in La Guaira, where protesters dismantled a 12-foot statue of Chávez that was erected by Maduro in 2017.
A video captured the moment when the statue was pulled down amidst chants of 'this government is going to fall.' The protesters then dragged the statue across the plaza, set it on fire after dousing it in gasoline, and expressed that such actions symbolize a weakening of the current government's power.
This act of toppling Chávez statues is not new in Venezuela, as similar incidents took place during previous waves of anti-government protests. However, the recent surge in attacks, with five statues being targeted in the last 24 hours, reflects the deep-seated anger among Venezuelans following Maduro's controversial victory in the recent presidential election.
Maduro condemned the attacks, likening them to tactics used in U.S.-backed revolutions in other countries. He emphasized the significance of respecting Chávez's legacy, stating that any disrespect towards the former leader is offensive to millions of Venezuelans who revered him as an anti-imperialist icon.
The government has taken action against those involved in the statue demolitions, with several arrests reported. Maduro warned of the potential consequences if such individuals were to gain power in Venezuela, raising concerns about the future under their leadership.
The destruction of Chávez statues serves as a potent symbol of resistance and defiance against the current government, reflecting the widespread discontent and frustration among the Venezuelan populace.
