Thousands of Venezuelans poured into the streets across at least eleven states on Monday, calling for presidential elections, the release of political prisoners, wage improvements, and solutions to the ongoing electrical crisis. According to EFE, it was one of the most widespread protests this month.
The demonstrations occurred in Caracas, Maracaibo, Bolívar, Monagas, Anzoátegui, Lara, Yaracuy, Aragua, Trujillo, Carabobo, and Cojedes. They followed previous marches on September 3, 17, 23, and 24, all demanding similar changes, maintaining steady pressure on the government led by Delcy Rodríguez.
Protesters March to the Judiciary in Caracas
In the capital, demonstrators made their way along Avenida Libertador to the Judiciary's headquarters, where the Alliance for the Freedom of Political Prisoners submitted a formal document.
The document demands an investigation into judges who may have committed disciplinary violations, abuse of authority, unjustified procedural delays, or other actions against legal standards in cases involving individuals detained for political reasons.
Carlos Salazar, representing the National Union Coalition, voiced the protesters' demands clearly: "We want presidential elections this December and the release of all prisoners."
Nationwide Chanting Against Delcy Rodríguez
Chants of "Delcy Out!" and "Elections Now!" echoed throughout various cities, openly opposing the caretaker president. Rodríguez had assured the UN General Assembly that "there will be elections in Venezuela," yet failed to provide a specific date or schedule.
Earlier in September, Rodríguez stated, "There will be an electoral process, but only when Venezuela is prepared. I do not set the date."
Maracaibo's Vital Bridge Blocked
In Maracaibo, university workers and laborers blocked traffic on the essential bridge over Lake Maracaibo, protesting against salaries stuck at 130 bolivars per month since 2022, which equates to just a few cents in US dollars.
From the bridge, protester Julio Zabala issued a stark warning: "Delcy, we will remove you sooner or later because you are more of the same."
Electrical Outages Spark Protests in Cojedes
In Cojedes, residents of several San Carlos communities set tires and logs on fire and blocked roads to protest against power outages lasting over six hours, as reported by the account Qué Pasa en Venezuela.
Controversy Over Judicial Agreement
Protesters also criticized an agreement between the chavista regime and opposition sectors to renew the Supreme Court through a council of jurists independent of the Constitutionally mandated Judicial Nominations Committee.
Attorney Eduardo Torres was blunt: "They're creating a façade of a justice system change that violates the Constitution."
His colleague, Noé Mujica, reminded that the constitutional rule reserves those appointments for the Nominations Committee, not an alternative body.
Political Prisoners and Unrelenting Repression
According to Foro Penal, there were 324 political prisoners by the end of Monday: 310 men and 14 women, including 184 civilians and 140 military personnel.
Since 2014, the organization has documented 19,251 political arrests in the country.
This number starkly contrasts with the official narrative: the amnesty law promoted after Maduro's capture was claimed to benefit over 8,000 people; however, Foro Penal verified only 768 actual releases, noting that most supposed beneficiaries were already free under precautionary measures.
On that same Monday, Amnesty International warned from Bogotá that the repressive structures remain intact, as highlighted in its published analysis.
"The same people, laws, institutions, and police: nothing has changed," stated Secretary General Agnès Callamard.
While acknowledging some releases, Callamard cautioned: "We are deeply concerned that the tip of the iceberg might be slightly more visible, but there is a deep iceberg of repression that is not changing."
The UN Mission's September 16 report echoed these findings, documenting 64 new torture cases since January and identifying at least 19 previously implicated officials who remain in key roles, according to the report's analysis.
The Frustrated Return of María Corina Machado
Among the chants, the name of opposition leader María Corina Machado, who has faced at least seven thwarted attempts to re-enter the country since June, was frequently mentioned.
Securing guarantees for her return has become one of the recurring demands in the September protests.
As the chavista regime negotiates with opposition sectors and Rodríguez promises a "democratic transformation" without concrete dates, Venezuelans gathering in Caracas throughout September have maintained a singular demand: "Elections now."
Key Questions on Venezuela's Political Protests
What are the main demands of the Venezuelan protesters?
The protesters are demanding presidential elections, the release of political prisoners, improved wages, and solutions to the ongoing electrical crisis.
How has the government responded to these protests?
The government's response has included vague promises of a "democratic transformation" and elections without providing specific dates or a clear schedule.
What is the current situation of political prisoners in Venezuela?
As of the latest reports, there are 324 political prisoners in Venezuela, comprising both civilians and military personnel.