As soon as the news of the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in the US-led operation came out, there was a tremendous emotional response in Venezuela and its diaspora communities around the world. For the common citizens who have been facing economic crisis, political oppression and insecurity for years, this news is no less than a big turning point. In a video that is going viral on social media, people in very ordinary homes in Venezuela are seen crying with joy while reading the news on their mobile phones. Some families were seen hugging each other and crying and laughing, some children were seen jumping and celebrating. In many videos, people are heard saying that “Finally there is hope that the period of fear will end.”
Despite being oil-rich, inflation, unemployment, shortages of medicine and food had made life difficult for the common people in Venezuela for years. Millions of people had to flee the country. In such a situation, people are seeing the news of Maduro’s arrest not only as a change of power, but as a sign of a possible end to their pain and struggle. The biggest celebration of this event was seen in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, where thousands of Venezuelan refugees took to the streets. Venezuelan flags were flown at major intersections and public places in the city. People were seen shouting slogans, hugging each other and shedding tears of joy. Many refugees said it was the regime that forced them to leave their homes, businesses and families.
Migrant communities say that political repression, human rights abuses and economic misery during Maduro’s rule have forced millions of Venezuelans to leave the country. Therefore, his arrest has become a symbol of justice, relief and hope for the future. According to analysts, this emotional reaction shows that Maduro’s arrest is not just a military or political event, but rather it is related to the emotions of millions of people who have endured years of crisis. Although the road ahead will not be easy, the common people feel that this moment could be the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Venezuela.