Protests for Venezuela Continue Saturday in Doral

The South Florida protest comes as unrest continues in Venezuela.

Thousands of protesters gathered Saturday afternoon in Doral for another day of rallying for Venezuela.

The movement, which is popping up in countries across the world, is being called S.O.S. Venezuela. Saturday's protest in Doral took place at 1 p.m. at J.C. Bermudez Park, 3000 NW 87th Ave.

The rally was held in support of Venezuelan students, and the greater Venezuelan community, who are in opposition of President Nicolas Maduro and his government.

"We are here to protest for peace because our brothers, our friends, our mothers are still in our country and they are suffering the real consequences," said protester Cesar Alfonzo.

Participants of all nationalities were asked to dress in white and bring items like flags, hats, bandanas representing their own countries and the United States, to show Venezuelans that they are not alone, according to a press release.

"As a Cuban, as a political prisoner, I know that's very difficult," said Hugo Arza.

In the last decade, thousands of Venezuelans have resettled in this western Miami suburb, now nicknamed "Doralsuela." Local leaders were at the rally in a show of solidarity.

"This is not a Venezuelan issue, this is a human rights issue," Councilwoman Bettina Rodriguez Aguilera said.

The South Florida protest comes as unrest continues in Venezuela. Maduro became president following the death of Hugo Chavez. He says the wave of unrest that began Feb. 12 is part of a right-wing attempt to topple his socialist government. At least 8 people have died and 100 have been injured on both sides.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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